Putin calls Zelensky's threat to make Russian skies dangerous "application for state terrorism"
Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's warning to airlines about the dangers of Russian airspace, calling it an "application for state terrorism." He also said Russia would respond to any such "tragedies" and repeated that Moscow had ordered massive strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 1 commented on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's threat to make Russia's airspace dangerous. Speaking at a press conference after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Putin said he had not heard such statements, but if they were made aloud, they amounted to an "application for state terrorism," according to Russian media.
Putin also noted that Ukraine was asking to resume negotiations and personal meetings, but, in his words, "they do not negotiate with terrorists." He warned that if such "tragedies" occurred, Russia would find a way to respond.
The Russian leader repeated that the Russian army had received orders to deliver massive retaliatory strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. He also explained that strikes against Ukraine's leadership were not being carried out because "some negotiators are needed."
Background
In an address on September 1, President Zelensky said that Russian skies were becoming completely dangerous and warned all airlines using Russia's airspace.
On August 30, the Russian Defense Ministry said it was preparing massive shelling of Ukrainian energy facilities.
