The Russian leader stated that the establishment of a no-fly zone over Ukraine would be considered a combat activity. Russian media announced that Moscow would consider any attempts by other countries to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine as participation in hostilities. The news comes as the Russian president claimed that the entire Ukrainian military infrastructure has been destroyed.
He added that Russia had eliminated Ukraine’s air defences.
The news comes as ceasefire talks are “ongoing” to evacuate civilians from the cities of Mariupol and Volnovackha.
Ukraine said that shelling was halted to allow for the evacuation of civilians.
Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the deputy head of president Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s office, said: “The Russian side is not holding to the ceasefire and has continued firing on Mariupol itself and on its surrounding area.
“Talks with the Russian Federation are ongoing regarding setting up a ceasefire and ensuring a safe humanitarian corridor.”
More to follow…