Putin calls Zelenskyy's warning about Russian airspace a declaration of "state terrorism"
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's warning that Ukraine would make Russian airspace dangerous.
Source: Putin speaking at a press conference following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, as reported by RIA Novosti, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency
Quote: "I haven't heard such statements, but if they have been said publicly, then this is simply tantamount to state terrorism. And I would point out that they are asking us to resume negotiations and are asking for face-to-face meetings. You don't negotiate with terrorists."
Details: Putin also said that if such "tragedies" occur, Russia will find a way to respond.
Putin reiterated that Russian armed forces had been instructed to carry out large-scale retaliatory strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
He also explained why Russia is not striking Ukraine's leadership, saying that "we need someone to negotiate with".
Background:
- On 1 September, Zelenskyy said in his address that Russian airspace was becoming completely unsafe and issued a warning to all airlines that use it.
- On 30 August, Russia's Defence Ministry said it was preparing for large-scale strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
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