Zelensky warns airlines against using Russian airspace as long-range drone strikes expand

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a warning to commercial airlines and insurers regarding increasing hazards in Russian airspace due to expanding long-range drone operations. While clarifying that civilian passenger aircraft will not be targeted, Zelensky stated that "Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafe" and advised against operating near major Russian aviation hubs.

Meanwhile, ground forces in Ukraine continue efforts to halt Russian territorial advances while preserving troop numbers amid persistent manpower shortages. Both nations are stepping up long-range drone and missile strikes. However, Ukrainian defense forces remain constrained by a critical shortage of air defense interceptors needed to protect against incoming Russian bombardments. Additionally, reports indicate a Russian official was dismissed after warning that a prolonged war could trigger a severe domestic crisis.

Sources: Morgunblaðið, Vísir.