Zelenskyy warns airlines over Russian airspace; Putin calls it terrorism

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned airlines that Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafe due to Ukrainian drone operations, effectively declaring it closed. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin responded by calling the threat state terrorism. Zelenskyy stated on September 1 that so many drones will be in Russian airspace that airlines must account for this risk, though he stressed no threat to civilian aviation. Putin said Russia will not negotiate with terrorists, claiming Kyiv seeks talks and personal meetings. Putin noted US envoy visits remain welcome, while Dmitry Medvedev threatened retaliation if airports are targeted. Zelenskyy recently threatened up to 1,000 long-range drones daily, and confirmed US requests for pauses on strikes near Moscow and St. Petersburg.