ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia will strengthen its air defense capabilities following a series of Ukrainian drone attacks that have penetrated deep into Russian territory, including strikes near St. Petersburg during one of the country’s most prominent economic gatherings.
Speaking during a meeting with international news agency leaders on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian drones have succeeded in reaching targets inside Russia despite existing defenses.
“To our regret, some of them break through,” Putin said when asked about the attacks. He added that Russia’s air defense system would be improved and strengthened in response.
The remarks came a day after a Ukrainian drone attack struck an oil terminal and a nearby naval facility in the St. Petersburg area, creating disruption around Russia’s second-largest city and drawing attention to Ukraine’s expanding long-range strike capabilities.
Drone Strikes Cast Shadow Over Economic Forum
The attacks occurred just hours before the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an event Putin has long used to showcase Russia’s economy and attract foreign investment.
Authorities reported disruptions at St. Petersburg’s airport, where flights were delayed or diverted, while mobile internet services were restricted as part of efforts to counter potential drone threats.
The incident highlighted the growing reach of Ukrainian attacks inside Russia and underscored challenges facing Moscow as the war enters its fifth year.
Ukraine has increasingly targeted infrastructure, military facilities and logistics hubs deep inside Russian territory, while Russian forces continue missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities.
Putin Reiterates Position on Peace Negotiations
During the discussion, Putin said Russia remains open to a negotiated settlement of the conflict and argued that understandings reached during his recent summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, could serve as a foundation for future agreements.
According to Putin, Ukraine would need to accept those compromise proposals for a broader settlement to become possible.
He emphasized that Moscow is seeking what it describes as a comprehensive resolution rather than a temporary ceasefire.
“There is no need to suspend the hostilities to start negotiations,” Putin said, arguing that discussions could proceed while military operations continue.
The comments came the same day that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly proposed direct face-to-face talks with Putin in a neutral country.
Zelenskyy Proposal Draws Kremlin Response
In a public letter released Thursday, Zelenskyy called for a meeting with Putin and suggested that negotiations could be hosted by a neutral third country, naming Switzerland, Turkey and Arab states as possible venues.
Trump welcomed the prospect of direct talks, saying it “would be great” if the Russian and Ukrainian leaders met.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin had not yet reviewed the letter but reiterated Moscow’s position that talks remain possible. Peskov also repeated previous statements that Zelenskyy could travel to Moscow if he wished to negotiate.
Putin indicated that a meeting in a third country was not ruled out, but suggested such a summit would be more productive once a formal agreement was ready for signing.
Russia Rejects Some Potential Mediators
Putin also questioned whether European Union countries could serve as neutral mediators in peace efforts.
He argued that successful mediation requires impartiality and suggested that governments that have strongly backed Ukraine during the conflict would struggle to be viewed as neutral participants.
According to Putin, any intermediary would need to be trusted by both Moscow and Kyiv for negotiations to succeed.
The issue of mediation remains central to diplomatic efforts as multiple countries continue exploring ways to facilitate future talks between the two sides.
Battlefield Goals Remain Unchanged
Putin used the forum appearance to reaffirm Russia’s military objectives in eastern Ukraine, particularly its goal of securing full control over the Donetsk region.
He said Russian forces continue advancing along the front line and asserted that public support inside Russia would help achieve Moscow’s objectives.
The Russian president also discussed the country’s Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, saying previous launches had helped assess its effectiveness and accuracy before broader operational use.
His comments signaled that Russia remains focused on military operations even as it publicly discusses potential diplomatic pathways.
Putin Dismisses Western Allegations
Asked about accusations from Western officials linking Russia to incidents across Europe that have included alleged sabotage operations, cyberattacks and assassination attempts, Putin rejected the claims.
He said no detailed evidence had been presented proving Russian involvement and argued that such allegations reflected broader tensions between Russia and Western governments.
Putin also addressed questions regarding Russia’s potential role in efforts to resolve tensions involving Iran. He said Moscow remains willing to store enriched uranium as part of a possible diplomatic arrangement, noting that Russia had previously participated in similar efforts under the 2015 nuclear agreement framework.
Economic Challenges Surface
While promoting Russia’s economic resilience at the forum, Putin acknowledged concerns about inflation and the broader impact of wartime economic pressures.
Russia initially benefited from increased military spending following the invasion of Ukraine, but officials have increasingly faced challenges related to budget management, taxation and borrowing.
Putin defended recent economic policies, including decisions by Russia’s central bank to maintain elevated interest rates to control inflation.
He argued that the measures were intended to preserve long-term economic stability and prevent more severe inflationary pressures.
As fighting continues and diplomatic efforts remain uncertain, Putin’s remarks reflected the dual challenges facing Russia: responding to increasingly sophisticated Ukrainian attacks while attempting to shape the terms of any future negotiations over the conflict.
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