“Of course, we will respond. The key principle will be that of reciprocity. And we will certainly prioritize our own interests,” the senior official told the media.

Yesterday, at a press conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proclaimed the total closure of the airspace of the EU bloc’s member countries for aircraft “owned, registered in Russia or controlled by Russia.”

According to her words, such aircraft will not be allowed to land, take off or fly over EU territory and the restriction applies to all aircraft, including private ones.

The measure led to the suspension of numerous flights to and from the country by domestic and charter airlines, especially on their routes to the West.

The EU decision is part of the punitive measures applied against Russia after the start of Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine on February 24 in response to the request for support from the leaders of the Donbass republics, in the face of increased attacks by Kiev.

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