Russia's Foreign Ministry on Friday, 5 September flatly rejected a notice issued by Ukraine warning international airlines that Russian airspace is unsafe for civilian aviation, calling it a distortion of facts that carries no legal force. The ministry said the Ukrainian claim misleads users of Russian airspace and has lodged a formal protest with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Moscow's Official Position

In a statement published on its official website, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it had filed a resolute protest against what it described as Ukraine's 'reckless terrorist acts' that run counter to international law. The ministry stated that Ukraine's remarks constitute a direct threat to civil aviation safety.

Relevant Russian authorities are in active contact with the ICAO and have dispatched an urgent appeal to the organisation's secretary-general. Moscow reiterated that it remains 'unwavering' in its commitment to safeguarding civilian aviation.

Zelensky's Warning That Triggered the Dispute

The exchange was triggered on Tuesday when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned international carriers that Russian airspace is becoming 'completely unsafe' as Kyiv responds to what he described as an escalation in Russian missile and drone attacks. The warning was directed at commercial airlines that continue to route flights through Russian-controlled airspace.

Drone and Artillery Attacks on Russian Territory

Separately, Russian authorities reported on Thursday that Ukrainian forces launched hundreds of drone and artillery strikes on the Belgorod and Moscow regions, killing one civilian and injuring 21 others.

Belgorod acting Governor Alexander Shuvayev said the region endured 178 attacks in a single 24-hour period, comprising artillery strikes and drone incursions that left one person dead. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin separately disclosed that Russian air defences intercepted and downed 548 drones targeting the Moscow region between Wednesday morning and Thursday noon.

A drone strike also ignited a fire at a plant in the Moscow region's Bogorodsky district, according to regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov, who said emergency crews were deployed to the site.

Putin on Negotiations and Mobilisation

Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that negotiations on Ukraine had stalled, while dismissing reports of a fresh mobilisation drive following the State Duma elections as 'nonsense.' Putin said Russia supports negotiations grounded in 'concrete substance' and would welcome any efforts capable of making a practical contribution to ending the conflict.

Putin added that Moscow seeks a lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine and across Europe, and that Russia is prepared to negotiate with any party willing to participate. He said Russia respects the positions of countries that back a peaceful resolution.

What Comes Next

The ICAO appeal filed by Russia is expected to draw a formal response from the organisation, which governs international civil aviation standards. Airlines currently routing through Russian airspace will be closely watching the outcome, as the dispute adds a new layer of regulatory uncertainty to an already heavily disrupted European aviation corridor.