Putin Rejects Talks with ‘Terrorists’ as Russian Strike Injures Eight in Odesa

Vladimir Putin showed no sign of accepting negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Speaking in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, he said talks with “terrorists” could not take place and accused Kyiv of state terrorism.

Putin was responding to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s warning to airlines that Ukrainian drones had made Russian airspace dangerous and effectively closed. The Russian president said Moscow would find an appropriate way to respond.

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State terrorism

He acknowledged that Ukrainian drones had caused considerable damage in Russia, highlighting attacks on Russian vessels and oil refineries. Putin said Ukraine had struck about 100 ships over 40 days, with the damage equal to 1% of Russia’s gross domestic product. He added that most refinery damage had already been repaired, while 10% of the affected facilities still required work.

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With terrorists, negotiations cannot take place

The statements came as Russian strikes hit the Black Sea port of Odesa again early Wednesday. At least eight civilians were injured, including one child, and two people were hospitalized, according to Serhii Lysak, head of the Odesa regional military administration.

A 24-story residential building sustained damage, with apartments on several floors destroyed. Windows in nearby buildings were shattered and cars were damaged. Office buildings and two educational institutions were also hit.

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A difficult night for Odesa. The enemy once again launched a massive attack on the city. Infrastructure has been damaged. At this time, eight people are known to have been injured, including a child. Two people have been hospitalized.