Kathmandu— Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy exchanged threats late on Tuesday over the ongoing conflict between their countries. Russian drone attacks across Ukraine have resulted in at least one death and multiple injuries, with strikes hitting Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipro. The air war has intensified as the conflict enters its fifth year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Intensifying Air War

Russian drone attacks have killed at least one person and wounded more than a dozen others across various Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipro. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 174 attack drones overnight, along with two ballistic missiles and two plane-launched missiles. In Odesa, the attacks damaged a 24-storey residential building, causing injuries to eight people, including a child.

Political Rhetoric

Putin accused Zelenskyy of “state terrorism” and stated that Russia does not negotiate with terrorists. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy warned foreign airlines against using Russian airspace due to Ukrainian long-range drone attacks, suggesting that Russian airspace will effectively be closing. Putin declined to rule out striking British military facilities if the UK continues to provide Ukraine with weaponry.

International Support and Response

China and North Korea have provided military support for Russia, while Iran has done so in previous years. European officials are weighing their response to what they describe as Moscow’s campaign of continental sabotage and disruption aimed at weakening European support for Ukraine. Germany blamed Russia for an attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle airport last month using a drone laden with explosives.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.