Threatens to block flights

Russia warns that it will hit back against the West if tougher sanctions are imposed over the conflict in Ukraine. Dmitry Medvedev blames countries backing Ukraine for damaging the Russian economy with “stupid” sanctions and suggests Moscow could retaliate by stopping flights over Russian airspace. Medvedev:

If Western carriers have to bypass our airspace, this could drive many struggling airlines into bankruptcy. This is not the way to go. We just hope our partners realise this at some point.