Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Ukraine of retaliatory strikes (Img: X)
New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Ukraine of retaliatory strikes against key economic infrastructure, accusing Kyiv of escalating drone attacks on Russian assets. The warning comes amid renewed tensions between the two countries as the Russia-Ukraine war continues.
Putin said Ukraine’s alleged attacks on Russian oil refineries, warehouses and other economic facilities had crossed a line, adding that Moscow would respond by targeting sensitive areas of Ukraine’s economy.
“Kyiv opened this Pandora’s box itself. Now expect a response targeting your most sensitive economic sectors,” Putin said, according to reports.
In recent months, Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russian territory, including attacks on oil facilities and infrastructure linked to Moscow’s war efforts.
Kyiv has maintained that such strikes are aimed at weakening Russia’s military capabilities and disrupting supplies that support its offensive operations.
Moscow, however, has accused Ukraine of damaging civilian and economic infrastructure and warned of consequences.
Putin also addressed concerns over disruptions to agricultural exports, saying Russia would manage any challenges related to shipments of its goods.
He claimed that disruptions would not lead to a global food shortage and said Russia would continue to find alternative routes for its exports.
Russia and Ukraine had earlier participated in a Turkey-mediated Black Sea grain agreement aimed at keeping food shipments moving through the region. Moscow withdrew from the arrangement in 2023.
While warning Ukraine, Putin reiterated that Russia remains open to negotiations. However, he said any peace agreement must consider what he described as “realities on the ground.”
He also rejected some proposals reportedly presented through intermediaries, calling them unrealistic.
Meanwhile, international efforts to push both sides toward negotiations continue, with Ukraine’s allies discussing further measures to increase pressure on Moscow.
