Russia's Sky at Risk: Ukraine Demands Full Closure of Airspace

Ukrainian authorities have proposed to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to completely cease the operation of civil aircraft within the airspace of the Russian Federation. This initiative is detailed in a letter from Ukraine's Minister of Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport, Mykola Kalyshnyk, addressed to the organization's Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar Gomez.

According to the official message, amid ongoing military operations and Ukraine's retaliatory measures, civil aircraft in Russian airspace are found in a high-risk zone. The document emphasizes that Kyiv is exercising its unassailable right to self-defense as stipulated in Article 51 of the UN Charter and is compelled to respond appropriately to Russian airstrikes.

Considering the security threats, the Ukrainian side has urged ICAO to influence national aviation authorities, international airlines, and navigation service providers. Kyiv's demand is to take comprehensive restrictive measures, including a full ban on all transit and direct flights over Russia.