ICAO urges stronger protection for civilian aircraft after Zelenskyy warns Russian airspace unsafe

The International Civil Aviation Organization urged member states to strengthen protection of civilian aircraft from dangers in war zones after Ukraine formally warned that Russian airspace is unsafe. The ICAO noted the risk of civilian planes being targeted or hit by fire is increasing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared Russian skies "extremely dangerous" amid escalating drone operations, stating the days of safe Russian airspace are over. He said civilian aviation has no place in drone-filled skies, while Russia pledged further aviation safety measures. The ICAO statement did not name any country. Zelenskyy called the warning fair retaliation for Russia's prolonging the war, while Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled it "state terrorism."