Putin says Ukrainian airspace threats hinder peace talks, calls them 'state terrorism'

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Thursday that Ukrainian threats against civil aviation hinder potential peace negotiations, calling them "state terrorism" during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Putin stated such threats obstruct bilateral peace talks, adding Moscow would respond to provocations. He acknowledged peaceful negotiation options remain and thanked countries like the US and China pushing for a political settlement, while insisting Russia and Ukraine must ultimately reach an agreement themselves. The remarks follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Tuesday warning that Russian airspace would become "completely unsafe" for airlines, though he clarified Ukraine does not threaten civilian aircraft. Some international carriers, including Turkish airline Pegasus, subsequently canceled flights to Russia.