MOSCOW, Feb 26: The Russian Aviation Authority (Rosaviatsya) announced on Saturday, the closure of Russian airspace to Bulgarian, Polish and Czech planes. The Russian news agency (Tass) quoted sources as saying that this measure came in response to similar unfriendly measures taken by these countries against Russian aviation, noting that this measure is effective starting from today. A statement from Rosaviatsya noted that the flights from these countries' into Russian airspace would not take place without a special permit from the Rosaviatsya or the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Meanwhile, the Interfax news agency quoted sources in the Federal Security Administration that a Russian solider at the borders was wounded as a result of gunfire from the Ukrainian side. Three days ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of a special military operation in Ukraine amid wide spread condemnations from western countries and NATO members. (KUNA)