Russian Airspace Safety Dispute Escalates After Ukraine Issues Warning

Ukrainian aviation authorities issued a NOTAM declaring Russian airspace unsafe following President Zelensky's threats, prompting Russia's Rosaviatsia to reject the notice as legally invalid and a violation of the Chicago Convention. Russian airports continue normal operations, including foreign carrier flights. Rosaviatsia stated Ukrainian actions are not internationally recognized and constitute an attempt to destabilize civil aviation. Russia has implemented additional security measures for airspace and ground infrastructure, with Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin confirming constant coordination with security services and immediate responses to external threats. Zelensky warned foreign airlines about potential Ukrainian drones in Russian airspace, which Russian officials labeled state terrorism. ICAO is updating risk assessment guidance for flights over conflict zones. Several Turkish Airlines and Pegasus flights were cancelled, though experts say Russian civil aviation operations will not halt.