Zelenskyy says Ukraine will respond to Russia’s airspace move next week

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would adjust its operations in Russian airspace next week after what he described as demonstrative strikes on airports in Boryspil and Kyiv overnight.

Ukrainian media reported that Zelenskyy said the strikes were Russia’s response to discussions about the possibility of U.S. representatives flying to Ukraine.

“Obviously, this is Russia’s reaction to discussions about the possibility of the American side arriving in Ukraine by plane,” Zelenskyy said.

According to the Ukrainian president, Kyiv had taken note of Russia’s move and would adjust its operation in Russian airspace next week.

At the same time, Zelenskyy stressed that there would be no threat to diplomacy from Ukraine’s side.

“There is no threat to diplomacy from our side, and there will not be,” he said.

The remarks came as U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were expected to travel to Moscow and then Kyiv on September 5–6. Zelenskyy has said Ukraine would refrain from airstrikes during their visit to ensure their safe travel and has called on Russia to reciprocate.

By Tamilla Hasanova