As Ukrainian drone attacks continue reaching deeper into Russian territory, Vladimir Putin is reportedly moving to lock down the skies over Moscow in one of the Kremlin’s most sweeping security measures since the war in Ukraine began.

The Kremlin has not publicly confirmed the measures, but the timing comes as Moscow faces mounting pressure from both Ukrainian drone operations and unrest from anti-Putin factions.

Russian authorities are preparing to close a large section of airspace around the capital to private aircraft and helicopters, according to the Russian Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (RAOPA). The proposed restricted zone would stretch across central Russia and cover an area estimated to be four times the size of the United Kingdom.

Putin has grown increasingly isolated and concerned about potential assassination plots.

The restrictions reportedly apply to flights up to 16,700 feet and would impact pilot training programs, flight schools and civilian light aircraft operations. Notices to airmen are expected to be issued through Russia’s Transport Ministry.

One source quoted by Metro said Russian security officials are weighing new restrictions “to eliminate the risk of assassination attempts.”

“Security services are considering options for unauthorized flights of small aircraft near Moscow and Vladimir Putin’s presence,” the source told the outlet.

Ukraine has intensified its use of long-range drones throughout the war, targeting military infrastructure and energy facilities inside Russia. Several recent drone incidents near Moscow have exposed weaknesses in Russia’s air defense systems and rattled residents far from the front lines.

In a Sept. 2024 address discussing Ukraine’s weapons production capabilities, Volodymyr Zelensky said, “Russian aggression must lose, and Ukrainian long-range capabilities will guarantee this.”

The remarks were published by the Office of the President of Ukraine.

At the same time, reports of internal resistance movements inside Russia have gained new attention. A clandestine anti-Kremlin organization known as Black Spark has publicly called for armed resistance against the Russian government and denounced the war in Ukraine.

The reported airspace shutdown also comes as Russia prepares additional strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian targets. Russian officials expect possible retaliatory drone attacks from Ukraine in response.