The decision has been temporarily established “due to a high threat to the safety of flight of civilian aircraft caused by the use of weapons and military equipment,” the document stated.

It also reported that the closure extends along the western border with Ukraine and Belarus at all altitudes and the suspension does not be applicable to state aviation aircraft.

President Vladimir Putin announced this Thursday morning the country’s decision to conduct “a special military operation” to defend the Donbass autonomous region, in eastern Ukraine, on the border with Russia.

During a special television message to Russian citizens, Putin stated that the aim is to “protect the people who have been subjected to abuse and genocide by the Kiev regime for eight years.”

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