Explained: Zelensky's big boast to shut Russian airspace just a farce to fool Ukrainians, West?

Ukraine’s latest warning that Russian airspace could become “de facto closed” is raising questions about what Kyiv’s strategy actually changes. President Volodymyr Zelensky says expanded Ukrainian drone operations could make Russian skies increasingly dangerous for airlines. But reports suggest Kyiv has already been using a similar strategy for around a year and a half, with “Operation Carpet” reportedly disrupting Russian airport operations through drone activity. More than 200 temporary airport closures have reportedly occurred since January 2025. Is Zelensky now scaling up an existing campaign—or rebranding it as a new victory? As Moscow threatens consequences, could Russia’s civilians and airlines ultimately pay the price?