Ukraine has officially warned ICAO about the danger of flights over Russia
Ukraine has officially notified the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that Russia's airspace is becoming dangerous for civilian aircraft due to increased military activity. Kyiv has urged airlines to avoid flying over the Russian Federation.
This was reported by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha. According to him, the corresponding warning was sent not only to ICAO but also to airlines and governments of other states.
The head of the Foreign Ministry stated that Russia continues to ignore the risks to civil aviation arising from the war it started against Ukraine. According to Sybiha, military activity has previously led to dangerous incidents, and amid the current escalation, the risks for aircraft in Russian airspace are growing.
“We want to prevent unintentional incidents,” — the minister emphasized.
However, this is not yet about ICAO formally deciding to close Russia's airspace. Ukraine has conveyed an official warning to the international organization about existing risks and urges carriers to take them into account independently when planning routes.
Zelensky warned airlines in advance
The ICAO notification followed the statement by President Volodymyr Zelensky on September 1. He warned airlines, insurance companies, and governments whose carriers continue to use Russian airspace and airports that flights over the Russian Federation are becoming increasingly dangerous.
The President emphasized that Ukraine does not view civilian aircraft as targets. However, the number of Ukrainian drones in Russian airspace will grow, and airlines must take this factor into account.
According to Zelensky, the war Russia started against Ukraine now directly affects the safety of Russia's own airspace as well. He said Russian authorities do not sufficiently inform civil aviation about emerging threats.
The President paid special attention to carriers that continue to operate flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other major Russian airports. Zelensky also said that Ukraine's Foreign Ministry and other state structures will provide detailed information about the risks to international organizations.
Ukraine cites the right to self-defense
Sybiha emphasized that increased military activity over Russian territory is linked to continued Russian aggression. According to him, Ukraine is exercising its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Zelensky has previously also stated that Ukraine is striking Russian military facilities and economic enterprises that support the war effort. At the same time, Kyiv is ready to temporarily limit such operations in certain directions at the request of partners if necessary for diplomatic negotiations.
Thus, the official appeal to ICAO became the next step after Kyiv's public warning to the international aviation industry about the growing risks of flying over Russia.
