CALL FOR PEACE: As tensions reach new heights between Russia and Ukraine, Putin's recent response to Zelensky's threats serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of international relations and the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has hit back at his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, in what has become a key indicator in the growing schism between the two neighbouring nations in the grip of a devastating war that has entered a fifth year.
Putin was reacting in the aftermath of the recent threats by Zelensky that Ukraine would intensify attacks deep inside Russian territory by aiming at targets including civil aviation.
"Zelensky's threats against Russian airlines amount to a threat of state terrorism," the Russian President said this week during a press conference. "Ukraine is asking to resume negotiations and hold face-to-face meetings, but there can be no negotiations with terrorists," Putin added.
Spokesperson for the Kremlin, Dmitry Peskov, also weighed in, seemingly incensed by the Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who had expressed support for Ukrainian threats against Russian civil aviation.
