Putin calls Zelenskyy's warning about Russian airspace "bid for 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 this was said publicly, then it is simply a bid for state terrorism. And I would point out that they are asking us to resume negotiations and are asking for personal 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 does not strike Ukraine's leadership, saying that "we need some negotiators".
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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