Vladimir Putin has likened the sanctions imposed on Russia by the West to declarations of war as he warned against further action.
The Russian president signalled any attempt to enforce no-fly zones within Ukraine would be tantamount to entering the military conflict.
Kyiv have repeatedly requested the measure, but Nato have remained steadfast in their refusal, saying it would only escalate the situation within the country.
Dozens of nations across the West have imposed financial, sporting and individual sanctions on Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine, notably cutting a handful of banks out of the Swift international payments system.
For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live
In addition, a number of countries have banned Russian airlines and private jets from their airspaces.
Condemning the sanctions while speaking to trainee air stewaresses at an Aeroflot training centre, Putin said: ‘These sanctions that are being imposed are akin to a declaration of war but thank God it has not come to that.’
He added any attempt to introduce a no-fly zone in Ukraine would be considered a step into the war.
The president insisted he had full faith in his armed forces whilst denying military service was compulsory for Russians.
‘There is not one conscript and we don’t plan for there to be,’ he said.
‘Our army will fulfil all the tasks. I don’t doubt that at all. Everything is going to plan.’
After reassuring he had a handle on the escalating situation in Ukraine, he dismissed concerns a state of emergency would be declared in Russia, adding the measure would only introduced when there was significant internal or external threat.
He said: ‘We don’t plan to introduce any kind of special regime on Russian territory. There is currently no need.’
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