Zelensky urges airlines to avoid Russian airspace as Ukraine steps up drone operations

Chinese carriers and several airlines from Gulf states continue to operate flights that cross Russian airspace, despite a broad coalition of Western nations that have barred their own airlines from doing so since the start of the Ukraine conflict. The airlines, which include major Chinese flag carriers and airlines from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, have cited commercial considerations and the lack of direct prohibitions from their governments as reasons for maintaining the routes. Aviation analysts note that the continued use of Russian skies by these carriers helps sustain Moscow’s aviation revenues while offering passengers shorter travel times between Asia and the Middle East.

In a separate development, Russian officials announced that Moscow will intensify its military strikes against Ukraine, stating that the escalation is a response to what it describes as increased Ukrainian aggression and the strengthening of Western support for Kyiv. The declaration follows a series of recent attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and comes as international pressure mounts over Russia’s ongoing war. Both the persistence of certain airlines in using Russian airspace and the announced escalation of hostilities underscore the complex interplay of commercial interests and geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict.