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Putin’s remarks came as Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on Russian economic assets, including oil refineries and warehouses operated by online retailers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (File photo)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Ukraine of retaliatory strikes against its key economic infrastructure, saying Kyiv had “opened Pandora’s box” by targeting Russian economic facilities.
Putin’s remarks, published on Saturday, came as Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on Russian economic assets, including oil refineries and warehouses operated by online retailers. Kyiv has said such infrastructure supports Moscow’s war effort.
“The Kyiv regime set out to damage our economy. What did it do? It opened this Pandora’s box itself. Well then, expect a response targeting your most sensitive economic sectors,” Putin said in remarks to a Russian state television journalist, according to a report in Reuters.
Russia has also stepped up attacks on Ukraine’s economic infrastructure, including facilities linked to grain exports through the Black Sea. The strikes have raised concerns over Ukraine’s ability to maintain agricultural exports.
Putin, however, said the disruption would not trigger a global food shortage, arguing that Russia could compensate for any reduction in Ukrainian supplies.
“We do face challenges regarding the shipment of our goods, but we will resolve these issues. Consequently, there will be no shortage on the global market,” Putin said.
Russia and Ukraine had earlier participated in a Turkish-mediated arrangement aimed at keeping grain shipments moving through the Black Sea. Moscow withdrew from the agreement in 2023.
Putin also reiterated that Russia remains willing to engage in peace negotiations. However, he said any talks would have to reflect “realities on the ground”, while dismissing proposals put forward by Kyiv through intermediaries as “exotic”.
13 Killed In Strikes
At least 13 people were killed in strikes overnight and through Saturday — seven in Ukraine, four in Russia and two in Russia-annexed Crimea. The latest deadly attacks come as rescuers in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rig were sifting through the rubble of a part-destroyed shopping centre, where 16 were killed a day earlier in a Russian drone attack. Ukraine’s allies in the Coalition of the Willing — an initiative led by France and Britain — will meet on Monday to look at how to ramp up pressure on Moscow to halt its invasion.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the disruption caused by strikes would not lead to a global food shortage, asserting that Russia could compensate for any reduction in Ukrainian supplies.
Ask News18About the Author
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish…Read More
August 22, 2026, 11:53 PM IST
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