Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a sharp attack against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday after Kyiv warned commercial airlines about flight risks over Russian airspace due to increased drone activity.
Speaking at a press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Putin described the Ukrainian warning as an act of state terrorism. He warned that Moscow would respond in whatever manner it considers appropriate if any related incidents occur.
Putin delivered the remarks while attending a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a regional Eurasian political and security alliance. Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian republic.
Peace negotiations and battlefield claims
The Russian leader declared that negotiations with terrorists were impossible, but claimed that Moscow remained open to peaceful dialogue. He said Russia wanted to end the conflict and secure lasting peace across Ukraine and Europe, adding that his government was ready to negotiate with any party willing to do so.
Putin expressed confidence that the Russian military would prevail on the battlefield and asserted that Ukrainian forces would collapse. He claimed that Russian troops captured 270 square kilometres in the Donetsk region during August as they advanced towards Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
The Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine has been a primary battleground throughout the conflict. Sloviansk and Kramatorsk serve as key urban hubs and administrative centres for Ukrainian forces in the region.
Drone damage and economic impact
Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian drones have caused significant damage inside Russia, highlighting strikes on shipping and oil refineries. He stated that Ukraine had hit approximately 100 ships over a 40-day period, causing economic damage equal to 1 per cent of Russia's gross domestic product.
Addressing energy infrastructure, Putin noted that repairs had already been completed at most damaged oil refineries, though 10 per cent of affected facilities still required restoration work.
Rejection of German accusations
Putin also rejected claims from Berlin that Russia was behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport in eastern Germany last month, calling the allegation a staged provocation. Leipzig Airport is one of Germany's major air cargo hubs.
He argued that the German government was attempting to divert public attention from domestic unrest connected to the declining popularity of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Merz serves as the head of the German government in Berlin.
