Russian flights will be banned from U.S. airspace amid Ukraine invasion

President Joe Biden announced Tuesday during his State of the Union address the U.S. will close American skies to Russian flights. The move, which U.S. officials had been considering for several days, is part of the administration's efforts to isolate the country as it attacks Ukraine. 

The ban applies to Russian aircraft and airlines, which will not be allowed to enter or use U.S. airspace by the end of Wednesday. It will affect cargo, charter and passenger flights, effectively blocking all commercial and civil aircraft, according to authorities.

The announcement followed in the footsteps of European allies and was met with applause Tuesday from those watching President Biden speak in the chamber.