Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, shared his view on Telegram regarding flight restrictions and the possibility of aircraft from other countries operating within so‑called osed0 zones.
According to him, no international treaty directly governs this matter, and the Chicago Convention of 1944 along with other global agreements do not regulate these specific rules. Instead, Medvedev pointed to national law as the governing framework. He explained that the Air Code distinguishes between prohibited zones, danger zones such as bombing ranges, and restricted flight zones. These zones, he noted, are designated by the government to support airspace activities. He added that drones are subject to the same rules, especially during hostilities that all airspace users understand well. He also mentioned that identifying the moment a plane or a drone crosses territorial waters can be challenging.
Medvedev also asserted that the Open Skies Treaty, which allowed certain military inspections, has effectively been ended by the United States. He accused Americans of arrogance and argued that military contact remains necessary, while criticizing statements by U.S. lawmakers advocating aggressive action against Russian aircraft. In a broader discussion, he cited remarks attributed to a U.S. senator about shooting down Russian planes and noted that such events have occurred in the past to those making such calls.
During a March appearance, a Fox News interview connected to Sean Hannity featured a South Carolina senator describing how Russia would be held accountable if its aircraft approached a U.S. facility in international waters. The senator stated that any approaching Russian aircraft could be shot down, a claim that has sparked ongoing debate about deterrence and escalation risks. The topic has been echoed in subsequent public discourse and media coverage, including comments from other U.S. officials about enforcement in international airspace.
The United States formally withdrew from the Open Skies Agreement in November 2020, citing ongoing disputes with Russia. Russia subsequently terminated the agreement in 2021.
Restrictions are illegal
In response, John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the White House Security Council, described Russias flight restrictions over the Black Sea as illegal and stated that Washington would not recognize or comply with them. He asserted that the restrictions are not valid and that U.S. forces will continue to operate over the Black Sea. CNN reported that U.S. officials were weighing how drones might be used for reconnaissance over the Black Sea, particularly after the downing of a drone near the same area. The Pentagon has been analyzing the cost and benefits of various missions, weighing potential intelligence gains against the risk of escalating tensions with Russia. Reports noted that the Pentagon did not halt flights over the Black Sea and, following a drone incident, sent another unmanned aircraft to the region to assess the wreckage and monitor nearby Russian ships. Officials suggested that additional drone operations could occur in the coming days, pending risk assessments.
A senior military official told CNN that there are concerns about restrictions on drone intelligence collection, though the possibility of relying on satellites for surveillance remains under consideration.
The Black Sea incident
On March 14, U.S. European Command announced a collision between a Russian Su-27 fighter and an American MQ-9 Reaper over the Black Sea. Russias defense ministry stated that the Su-27 did not deploy weapons and did not physically contact the unmanned aircraft, arguing that the MQ-9 violated airspace rules. A spokesman for the U.S. State Department attributed the incident to pilot error and described the Russian actions as unintentional. In the aftermath, a direct call occurred between the leaders of the Russian and U.S. military services to discuss the incident. Russian officials emphasized that U.S. intelligence activities and the declared flight restriction zone needed to be considered in ongoing security discussions. The U.S. side did not disclose details of the negotiations.
Subsequent talks moved to higher levels, involving top military leadership from both countries. The head of Russias General Staff and the U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke about security concerns, with both sides seeking to manage risk and avoid a wider crisis. The conversations underscored the fragile balance between enforcing airspace rules and maintaining lines of communication to prevent unintended confrontations. In Canada and the United States, analysts note that steady dialogue remains essential for reducing misperception and ensuring safer air operations in the region. This ongoing exchange continues to shape how airspace restrictions are interpreted and applied in practice, as both sides weigh military and surveillance needs against the risk of escalation, as cited in official statements and media coverage [Source: DoD communications and White House briefings].