Putin threatens multiple retaliations after Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that his country would undertake a much harsher counter-response to Ukrainian incursions into Russian territory, stressing that the scale of reactions would escalate further.

These comments come as the Kremlin blames Kyiv for an unrelenting wave of drone strikes on oil refineries, seaports, and Russia’s energy grid.

As reported by three officials close to the Kremlin to Reuters, Putin continues to reject any appeals for peace talks with Kyiv, as Ukraine’s recent offensives against Russian strategic targets have strengthened his resolve to continue the conflict.

In recent weeks, Ukraine has significantly stepped up attacks on oil processing plants and Russian transport vessels, causing, according to Moscow authorities, disruptions in fuel supply in some Russian regions.

Meanwhile, the commander of Ukraine’s drone forces announced that during the night, his forces struck 15 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov, seven of which were oil tankers.

On the other hand, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its forces attacked infrastructure used for sending military equipment to the Ukrainian army, causing damage to the port of Chornomorsk, near Odesa.

Shortly after, the same ministry added that Russian drones also targeted two commercial ships in the port of Pivdenny, in the Odesa region, which Moscow claims were being used by Ukraine’s armed forces.