Putin accuses Zelensky of 'state terrorism' over airline warning, orders strikes on Ukrainian energy
Putin called Zelensky's warning to airlines about Russian airspace a bid for state terrorism and said talks are impossible with terrorists. He also announced orders for massive strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of engaging in "state terrorism" after Zelensky warned civilian airlines about the dangers of flying through Russian airspace. Putin made the remarks at a press conference in Bishkek, following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.
Putin said Zelensky's comments about the safety of Russian skies "amount to state terrorism." He also pointed out that Ukraine has been requesting negotiations, including face-to-face meetings. "You don't negotiate with terrorists," Putin said, warning that if such tragedies occur, Russia will find a way to answer.
Zelensky's warning came in his evening address, where he told airlines that Russia's skies are "becoming completely unsafe" and declared that "the safe days in Russia's skies are over." The exact nature of the threat was not detailed in his speech, but his warning was directed at civilian airlines operating in Russian airspace.
Separately, Putin announced that the Russian Armed Forces have been ordered to prepare and carry out massive strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities. He described the move as a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, saying: "They're striking ours — they'll get an answer."
