Russia clarifies airport safety rules to foreign carriers after Ukrainian warning

On Thursday, Russia's Transport Ministry reported that it had provided foreign airlines with comprehensive explanations of the safety protocols governing Russian airports and airspace. Minister Andrei Nikitin said the ministry acted on requests from carriers and highlighted ongoing collaboration to ensure compliance with Russian standards. This response follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's recent warning that Ukrainian drone activity rendered Russian skies unsafe, prompting airlines and insurers to reconsider routes.

The aviation authority Rosaviatsiya issued a contrary statement, asserting that Russian air transport and ground infrastructure remain fully operational, including flights by foreign airlines. While European and U.S. carriers have avoided Russian airspace since the 2022 conflict began, airlines from China, Turkey and Gulf states continue to use it.