Russia’s Transport Ministry announced Thursday that it has supplied foreign airlines with detailed explanations of the safety measures in place at Russian airports and within Russian airspace. The move follows a warning from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Ukrainian drone activity has rendered flights over Russia dangerous.

Minister emphasizes cooperation with carriers

Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin told Interfax that foreign carriers are working closely with Russian authorities and fully understand the rules, standards, and procedures that ensure flight safety. He said the ministry issued the clarifications in response to specific requests from airlines seeking reassurance.

Regulator disputes safety concerns

Russia’s aviation watchdog Rosaviatsiya issued a statement on Wednesday contradicting Zelenskiy’s warning, asserting that Russian air transport and its ground infrastructure continue to operate normally, handling arrivals and departures, including those of foreign airlines.

Ukrainian warning and international response

Zelenskiy warned airlines and insurers on Tuesday that the presence of Ukrainian drones had made Russian airspace effectively closed and unsafe. While European and U.S. carriers have avoided Russian skies since the war began in 2022, airlines from China, Turkey and Gulf states still use the routes.

Implications for global aviation

The differing narratives highlight the ongoing tension between Ukraine’s security concerns and Russia’s efforts to maintain its aviation sector. Foreign airlines will weigh the Russian ministry’s assurances against the Ukrainian government’s warnings when deciding whether to continue operating in Russian airspace.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.