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ConflictZelenskyy warns Russian airspace will become 'completely unsafe' due to Ukrainian drone strikes
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned all airlines that Russian airspace will become 'completely unsafe' due to Kyiv's drone attacks, effectively closing it de facto. In his evening video address, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine does not threaten civilian aviation but that so many drones will be in Russian airspace that airlines must take this into account. Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin responded at a press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, describing the drone campaign as 'state terrorism' and ruling out negotiations with Kyiv, stating that no talks are held with terrorists. Putin noted that envoys sent by US President Donald Trump are welcome in Moscow. Zelenskyy recently threatened the use of up to 1,000 long-range drones daily and confirmed that the US requested a pause in attacks on Moscow and St. Petersburg last week, coinciding with an unannounced visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow. Another state requested a pause for attacks on Vladivostok during the Eastern Economic Forum. Ukraine has been defending against the Russian invasion for over four and a half years, striking distant targets in Russia with drones.
Source report
Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Source: Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned all airlines about dangers over Russia due to Kyiv's drone attacks. "Russian airspace will become completely unsafe," Zelenskyy said in his evening video address broadcast in Kyiv. However, he emphasized that Ukraine does not threaten civilian aviation or individual aircraft.
"There will simply be so many drones in Russian airspace that this must be taken into account," the head of state explained. Russian airspace will be "de facto" closed.
Putin Responds: Accuses Ukraine of "State Terrorism"
Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin reacted during the night at a press conference in Bishkek, the capital of the Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan. He described the drone campaign as "state terrorism," to which Russia will respond.
"I point out that they are asking us to resume negotiations," Putin said, referring to statements from Kyiv.
Putin: No Negotiations with Terrorists in Kyiv
"They are asking for personal meetings. But no negotiations are held with terrorists," Putin emphasized. According to his account, negotiations under US mediation are on hold. However, the president stated that envoys sent by US President Donald Trump, in particular, are welcome in Moscow.
When asked why Moscow does not militarily eliminate the leadership in Kyiv, Putin said that representatives are still needed for future negotiations.
Zelenskyy's Escalating Drone Strategy
Just last week, Zelenskyy threatened the use of up to 1,000 long-range drones daily. He also confirmed media reports that the US had requested a pause in attacks on Moscow and St. Petersburg for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of last week. CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow unannounced during that time.
Additionally, according to Zelenskyy, another state requested a pause for attacks on Vladivostok. The Eastern Economic Forum with international guests and an appearance by Putin is taking place in the Russian Pacific city from Tuesday to Friday. Ukrainian attacks in the Far East region, over 6,000 kilometers from Ukraine, have not been reported so far.
Ukraine has been defending itself against the Russian invasion for more than four and a half years and, in its defensive struggle, repeatedly attacks distant targets in the Russian hinterland with drones.
dpa/gold
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Zelenskyy warns airlines Russian airspace is unsafe due to drone attacks, Putin calls it state terrorism