Zelensky Warns Airlines Russian Airspace Is Becoming Dangerous

According to the BBC, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned airlines that Russian airspace was becoming increasingly dangerous as Ukraine steps up drone strikes, saying flights over Russia were effectively closing. He said airlines, insurers and operators using major Russian airports, including in Moscow and St Petersburg, should take the risk into account, while Russian President Vladimir Putin called the remarks a declaration of state terrorism and said Moscow would continue its attacks on Ukraine. Aviation risk advisory firm Osprey Flight Solutions said in an alert that most Ukrainian drone and missile strikes were likely to remain within 300km of the border, but deeper attacks inside Russia were almost certain to continue this year. The firm also said the frequency of strikes could rise in the short term. Ukraine has targeted energy facilities and large retailers inside Russia, while Chinese, Turkish and Gulf state airlines are among those still using Russian airspace for faster routes between Asia and Europe.