Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow will respond to Ukrainian strikes on Russian economic infrastructure, saying Kyiv had “opened Pandora’s box” by targeting key assets.
In an interview with Russian state television channel Vesti published on Saturday (22 Aug), Putin said Russia would target Ukraine’s “most sensitive economic sectors” in response to attacks on Russian infrastructure.
Ukraine has expanded its drone campaign against Russian targets, including oil refineries and industrial facilities, as part of efforts to disrupt infrastructure it says supports Russia’s war effort. Russia has responded with strikes on Ukrainian economic infrastructure, including grain export facilities in the Black Sea.
During the interview, Vladimir Putin also discussed Russia’s domestic political agenda, the upcoming elections, and the role of the United Russia party, which he said should focus on long-term national development rather than populist promises.
He defended Russia’s intensified strikes on Ukrainian targets, described Kyiv’s actions as an escalation, and reiterated that Moscow remains open to peace talks based on what he called “realities on the ground”.
Putin also addressed concerns over global food supplies, arguing that Russia’s agricultural exports would help prevent shortages despite disruptions affecting Black Sea trade.
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