Ukraine Threatens to Disrupt Air Travel Over Moscow and St. Petersburg

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russian airspace is becoming extremely dangerous, threatening to disrupt aviation over Moscow and St. Petersburg through systematic drone campaigns, a move that could significantly impact Russia's military and economic activity. Zelensky specifically targeted airlines using Russian airspace, insurers, and operators at major Russian airports, with Ukraine formally notifying the International Civil Aviation Organization of military activities endangering Russian airspace. Turkish airline Pegasus has already cancelled 12 flights between Turkey and Moscow, while Russian Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin said authorities are coordinating with the Defense Ministry to prevent threats to air traffic. Military analyst Rafael Martins said Ukraine could replicate Russia's attack patterns of successive drone and missile launches, creating unpredictable danger that would push commercial operators to avoid Russian routes. Putin dismissed the threat as "state terrorism," while experts suggest the strategy aims to create significant international impact and psychological pressure on Russia's main urban centers.