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Ukraine Proposes “Airport Truce” With Russia as Kyiv Seeks Larger European Role in Talks
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukraine has proposed a limited ceasefire framework with Russia focused on halting strikes against airports, as Kyiv looks to expand Europe’s involvement in diplomatic efforts alongside the United States.
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According to Politico on May 11, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha presented the idea during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, describing it as a potential starting point for renewed negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
“We probably need a new role for Europe in our peace efforts. Maybe we will try to achieve the so-called ‘airport truce,’” Sybiha said.
The proposal would involve both Ukraine and Russia refraining from attacks on each other’s airports. According to Politico, Sybiha suggested Moscow could also have an interest in such an arrangement as Ukrainian long-range strikes increasingly affect major Russian aviation infrastructure.
Sybiha said European partners could establish a dedicated platform or working group to discuss the initiative. He added that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had already raised the idea with several European leaders.
At the same time, the Ukrainian foreign minister stressed that Kyiv does not see Europe as a replacement for Washington in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“This should be a complementary track—not instead of, not alternative,” Sybiha said, according to Politico, adding that Europe should speak “with one voice.”
The remarks come as negotiations under US mediation have slowed in recent months. According to Politico, Kyiv believes broader European involvement could help sustain diplomatic engagement while maintaining coordination with the United States.
The possibility of a larger European diplomatic role has also been discussed within the EU. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said foreign ministers would address potential negotiations with Russia during an informal meeting in Cyprus later this month.
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Ukraine closed its airspace to civilian aviation on February 24, 2022, following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Since then, regular passenger air traffic has remained suspended across the country.
Ukraine’s proposal for an “airport truce” could also address a growing vulnerability for Russia, as repeated Ukrainian long-range drone attacks have increasingly disrupted Russian civil aviation. According to Novaya Gazeta Europe, Russian airports were shut down at least 604 times due to air defense operations linked to Ukrainian strikes since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with 75% of those closures recorded in 2025.
Major shutdowns at Russian airports on July 5–6 alone may have cost Russian airlines around 20 billion rubles, or about $254 million, citing airline representatives and industry experts. According to Rosaviatsiya data cited by the outlet, 485 flights were canceled, 88 were diverted, and around 1,900 were delayed during that disruption.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia was preparing new attacks and showed “no intention of ending this war” as fighting continued along the front line. He also confirmed Ukraine was expanding drone cooperation with international partners and discussing joint production of anti-ballistic missiles with European countries and the US.
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