Ukraine suggests airlines stay clear of the Black Sea due to Russian drills.
KYIV: Ukraine advised airlines not to fly over waterways that are open to the Black Sea from Monday to Saturday because of Russian naval exercises being conducted in the area.
Over thirty Russian ships have begun training exercises close to the Crimea peninsula in the more extensive navy exercises, the RIA news agency reported on Saturday.
“From tomorrow, airlines will be advised to not fly …over the area and to determine the best routes ahead in light of the present situation,” Ukraine’s state air traffic service announced.
It stated that the airspace over Ukraine’s territory Ukraine was open.
READ MORE: The U.S. says Russia may provide a cover to strike Ukraine.
A top Ukrainian official told reporters on Sunday that Ukraine does not see any reason to close its airspace to protest the troop increase in Moscow.
Even as Dutch airline KLM which is one of Air France, announced it would not fly to Ukraine, the German carrier Lufthansa has said it is considering canceling flights.
The United States has said Russia might invade Ukraine anytime. Moscow isn’t planning to invade, saying that it protects itself against the threat of NATO allies.
Eric is a professional news editor, writer, and blogger for the last 10 years. He is working with NewsGater as an off-beat news editor cum writer.