Putin Says Russia to Expand Strikes on Kyiv’s Critical Infrastructure

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Moscow will intensify strikes on what he described as “critical infrastructure” in Ukraine, framing the move as a response to Ukrainian attacks on civilian targets inside Russia.

Speaking during a meeting with military personnel at the Kremlin marking Russia’s “Day of Russia,” Putin said Russian forces would escalate their operations in order to deter further attacks.

“In light of the actions of Ukrainian forces, we must respond appropriately. We are doing this. We will strengthen strikes on the enemy’s infrastructure so as to eliminate their desire to attack our civilian facilities,” Putin said.

The announcement comes amid a reported increase in Ukrainian drone strikes targeting infrastructure deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow and other regions. The attacks have prompted a series of retaliatory strikes by Russian forces on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks.

Russian forces have carried out intensified missile and airstrikes across Ukraine, targeting energy facilities and military command infrastructure, according to official statements and regional reports.

Putin’s remarks appeared to signal a further escalation in Russia’s military strategy, with analysts interpreting the comments as both a warning to Ukraine and a message to its Western backers.

The Russian president argued that continued attacks on civilian infrastructure inside Russia would trigger stronger retaliatory measures, emphasizing what he described as the necessity of deterrence.

Moscow has consistently maintained that its military actions are defensive in nature, blaming Western support for Ukraine for the continuation and expansion of the conflict.

The latest rhetoric underscores the continued escalation in a war that has increasingly shifted toward long-range strikes on infrastructure on both sides.

While Ukraine has stepped up drone operations targeting Russian territory, Russia has expanded its own strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid and industrial facilities, deepening concerns over further damage to civilian infrastructure as the conflict continues.