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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on Tuesday that Ukrainian drones will make Russian airspace completely unsafe for civilian aviation for the remainder of the war.
In his nightly address, Zelenskyy urged international airlines and insurers to account for the increasing volume of drones in Russian skies, though he emphasised that Ukraine would not target civilian aircraft.
It was from Russia that the first missiles and the first drones came, and they crossed our country’s border from Russian airspace. This escalation cannot and will not remain confined to Ukrainian territory.
Today, we want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 1, 2026
Russian leader Vladimir Putin quickly condemned the statement as a declaration of state terrorism, declaring that Moscow cannot negotiate with terrorists while also confirming recent damage to Russian oil refineries and infrastructure.
The escalated rhetoric follows fresh Russian missile and drone strikes that killed at least 12 people in Kyiv and surrounding areas, where Ukrainian air defences face critical ammunition shortages.
In response, Ukraine has stepped up long-range drone attacks against Russian ports, warehouses, and energy facilities, repeatedly forcing Russian authorities to ground flights at key airports.
Despite acknowledging internal infrastructure damage, Putin insisted that Russian troops continue to accelerate their offensive on the battlefield.
Diplomatic efforts mediated by the United States remain frozen as both leaders solidify their positions over four years into the full-scale invasion.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine remains willing to pause drone operations in specific corridors to facilitate negotiations if international partners request it.
Meanwhile, Putin expressed openness to further discussions with key US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, praising their role in Washington’s mediation push even as peace talks stall.
