Putin threatens to intensify strikes on Ukraine to 'take away its desire to attack our civilian targets'

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Sunday, during a meeting with war veterans held to mark Russia Day, that Russia would intensify strikes on Ukraine in retaliation for Ukrainian drone attacks on targets across Russian territory.

Putin stated that Russia must 'respond to them as they deserve' and that Russia is already doing so. He added that Moscow will 'intensify strikes on the enemy's infrastructure so as to take away its desire to attack our civilian targets.'

In recent weeks, Ukraine has significantly increased attacks on Russian territory—not only in border regions but also deep into the country, as far as the Urals. The main targets have been oil refineries, which Ukrainian authorities call legitimate military objectives, arguing that revenue from oil sales helps sustain Russia’s war effort. At the same time, Ukrainian drones have repeatedly struck residential buildings, causing civilian casualties.

This is not the first time Putin has threatened to escalate attacks on Ukraine, but his statement comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.