Ukraine Drones Make Russian Airspace Unsafe, ICAO Involvement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned airlines and insurers that Russian airspace is becoming unsafe due to intensified Ukrainian drone activity, while stressing that Kyiv does not target civilian aviation. The International Civil Aviation Organization urged stronger protections for civilian aircraft in conflict zones and asked member states to mitigate risks from long-range weapons, drones, and navigation interference. Kyiv formally notified ICAO that Russian airspace is unsafe and asked the UN agency to urge member states to avoid it as drone activity increases. Russia vowed to maintain flight safety and minimize disruptions, saying its defence and security agencies will manage threats. Many carriers have already avoided Russia, though some Chinese, Middle Eastern, and other Gulf airlines continue to operate through or near Russian routes, keeping diplomacy and safety talks ongoing. As the war persists, aviation authorities emphasize risk mitigation and protective measures for civilian flights amid evolving military activity.