Ukraine Asks UN to Ground Airlines Over Russia Airspace Risk

Kyiv has formally requested that the United Nations’ aviation agency issue a global warning to airlines, urging them to avoid flying over Russian territory. The appeal comes as fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces are advancing on the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. The request, submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), aims to highlight safety risks for civilian aircraft in Russian airspace. Ukrainian officials argue that the ongoing conflict poses a direct threat to passenger planes, citing recent incidents of stray missiles and drone activity near flight paths. This move is separate from the ground war’s daily developments. On the front lines, Russian troops are closing in from multiple directions around Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, grinding forward despite heavy Ukrainian resistance. The two cities have become key defensive strongholds in the Donetsk region. If the ICAO heeds Kyiv’s warning, it could lead to new advisories for international carriers. Many airlines have already rerouted flights away from Russian airspace since the war began, but some countries, including China and India, continue to use those routes. The UN body has not yet responded publicly to Ukraine’s formal request. However, any official warning would carry significant weight, potentially reshaping global flight paths and increasing travel times for millions of passengers.