Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a clear warning to international airlines to avoid Russian airspace due to an intensified drone campaign over Russia. Speaking on Tuesday evening, Zelensky indicated that Ukraine’s drone operations have rendered Russian skies unsafe for civilian aircraft.
“Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafe,” Zelensky stated, emphasizing that Ukraine is not targeting civilian aviation or individual flights but that the frequency of drone activity over Russia must be taken seriously. He described the situation as an effective closure of Russian airspace, citing plans to deploy up to 1,000 long-range drones daily, a threat he first announced last week.
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the escalating tensions during a press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, labeling the drone strikes as “state terrorism” and vowing a response. Putin criticized Ukraine’s efforts to reopen negotiations, asserting that Russia would not engage with what he described as “terrorists,” referring to Ukrainian leadership. While he acknowledged that US-mediated talks are currently paused, Putin expressed willingness to receive envoys sent by US President Donald Trump.
Addressing questions about why Russia has refrained from a military strike aimed at removing the Ukrainian leadership in Kiev, Putin explained that such a move would undermine future dialogue, as Russia would still require counterparts to negotiate with.
Meanwhile, Zelensky confirmed media reports that the United States requested a temporary halt in Ukrainian attacks on Moscow and Saint Petersburg last week from Tuesday through Thursday. During this period, CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly conducted an unannounced visit to Moscow, underscoring the complex and delicate nature of ongoing diplomatic efforts amid the conflict.
The developments reflect increasing tensions as Ukraine intensifies its long-range drone operations against Russia, prompting a sharp Russian response and adding further complexity to stalled negotiations mediated by the United States.