Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russian airspace has become ‘completely unsafe’ due to their drones.
In response to Zelenskyy’s remarks, Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of ‘state terrorism.’
In a speech delivered on Tuesday night, Zelenskyy said, “We want to warn every airline and insurance company using Russian airspace, as well as those still utilizing Russia’s key airports, that Russian airspace has become completely unsafe.”
He stated, “Ukraine poses no threat to civil aviation—not to a single civilian aircraft. However, the presence of such a large number of drones in Russian skies is a factor everyone must take into account.”
In recent months, flight operations at various Russian airports have been repeatedly disrupted by Ukrainian drones. The frequency of these drone attacks has also increased during this period.
Zelenskyy said, “Skies filled with drones are not safe for civil aviation. As long as the war continues, Russian airspace will remain dominated by drones.”
Responding to Zelenskyy’s comments, Putin labeled them a “declaration of state terrorism.”
Speaking at a televised press conference, Putin said, “They are asking us to return to the negotiating table… but one cannot negotiate with terrorists.”
Amidst the hardening stances of both sides, at least 12 people have been killed in fresh Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and its surrounding areas.
Zelenskyy said, “We do not want the loss of innocent lives in Ukraine. That is why we are warning our partners—the days of safety in Russian skies are over.”
Russia has increased its use of ballistic missiles. Kyiv is struggling to intercept these missiles due to a shortage of ammunition for its air defense systems.
However, Ukraine is also retaliating by attacking various Russian infrastructure facilities, ports, and even warehouses belonging to e-commerce companies. In his speech, Putin acknowledged that infrastructure inside Russia had also been damaged by Ukrainian attacks.
Putin said, “The enemy has started attacking civilian facilities, including our oil refineries.”
When asked if any damage had been caused, he replied, “Yes, there has been.”
Putin added that the damage occurred because these facilities were not adequately protected.
However, Putin claimed that Russia is advancing on the battlefield.
