It was from Russia that the first missiles and the first drones came, and they crossed our country’s border from Russian airspace. This escalation cannot and will not remain confined to Ukrainian territory. Today, we want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, and everyone who still uses Russia’s key airports: Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafe. Ukraine does not threaten civilian aviation as such – not a single civilian aircraft. There will simply be drones in Russia’s skies on a scale that has to be taken into account. Although the Russian authorities are not properly informing people about this, Russian airspace will effectively be closing – the war started by Russia is closing its skies. We in Ukraine do not want innocent lives to be lost. That is why we are warning our partners: the safe days in Russia’s skies are over. It is important that this is heard by the ambassadors of countries represented here in Ukraine, as well as by ambassadors working in Moscow. Every one of them knows exactly what Russia’s war means for our country and our people, and they must convey this information to their capitals. It is important that the airlines currently flying to airports primarily in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other key destinations in Russia hear this as well. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and our other institutions will provide international organizations with full information about the dangers in Russian airspace. Drone-infested skies are no place for civilian aviation. From the evening address.

Oggi è stato un giorno difficile per l’Ucraina dopo un massiccio attacco russo. Sono stati lanciati numerosi missili balistici e droni, anche in questo momento continuano gli allarmi aerei in diverse regioni del nostro Paese. Ancora una volta, minacce dal cielo. Solo oggi gli attacchi russi hanno causato 22 vittime a Kyiv e a Dnipro, tra cui bambini. Stiamo facendo tutto il possibile per proteggere il nostro popolo, le nostre città e le nostre comunità. E siamo grati a chi ci aiuta. L’Ucraina è riconoscente all’Italia: apprezziamo profondamente che non siate indifferenti, che desideriate per noi la pace e che consideriate la difesa dell’indipendenza e della libertà di Kyiv anche una vostra causa. Insieme riusciremo sicuramente a raggiungere questo obiettivo. Congratulazioni all’Italia, al Presidente Mattarella @Quirinale, al Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri @GiorgiaMeloni e a tutto il popolo italiano per l’80 anniversario della proclamazione della Repubblica. La libertà è una conquista che va difesa ogni giorno. Grazie, Italia! Buona Festa della Repubblica!

Today has been a difficult day in Ukraine after a massive Russian strike. There were many ballistic missiles and drones. Now air-raid alerts are active across various regions too. And once again, we are facing aerial threats. Just today, Russian strikes have taken 22 lives in Kyiv and Dnipro, including children. We are doing everything to protect our people, our cities, and our communities. And we are grateful to those who are helping us. Ukraine is grateful to Italy. We deeply value that you care, that you want peace for us, and see the defense of Kyiv’s independence and freedom as your cause. Together, we will certainly achieve this. I congratulate Italy, President Mattarella @Quirinale, President of the Council of Ministers @GiorgiaMeloni, and all Italian people on the 80th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic. Freedom is an achievement that must be defended every day. Thank you, Italy! Buona Festa della Repubblica!

Unfortunately, the current level of supplies for our air defense does not allow us to intercept a significant share of missiles. Last night, there were hits. 130 people were injured. Tragically, 22 people were killed, including two children. My condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. We know from intelligence that another large-scale strike may come as soon as tonight. All our partners together, and everyone in Europe, should continue working to ensure missiles for our air defense, as well as the systems, critical intelligence, and other things that help to save lives. It is crystal clear that Europe needs its own anti-ballistic system with sufficient volumes and strength to guarantee protection against any threat.