Ukraine puts Russian airspace risks on record, pressuring foreign carriers — NV analysis

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy formally warned airlines, insurers, and airports that Russian airspace is becoming unsafe, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha followed up by notifying the International Civil Aviation Organization of the risk. The declared goal is to pressure foreign carriers into abandoning Russian routes.

In practice, carriers from Turkey, the Middle East, China, Central Asia, and Belarus continue flying into Russia, with only Serbia's Air Serbia representing Europe. Analysts note that hubs in Istanbul, Dubai, and China have become Russia's substitute connection to global aviation since Western carriers exited in 2022.

Russian airlines themselves keep flying limited international routes using Sukhoi Superjets, which are immune to foreign lessor seizure, alongside some Aeroflot long-haul flights. A Ukrainian lawmaker called the warning a formal legal notice with catastrophic consequences for Russia, though the immediate airline response looked more like a shrug.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.