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Putin comments on Ukrainian strikes for first time since attacks on Moscow
The Kyiv Independent • • world
Key Points:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed Ukraine's recent attacks on Russian infrastructure during a June 23 Kremlin briefing, marking his first public comments since the June 16 and 18 drone strikes on the Moscow Oil Refinery.
- Putin framed Ukraine's strikes as a tactic by a weakening Kyiv regime attempting to disrupt Russian energy supplies and tourism, despite evidence of significant Russian military losses and setbacks in the ongoing conflict.
- Ukrainian attacks have led to the shutdown of multiple Russian refineries, worsening a fuel crisis that has prompted gasoline sales restrictions and consideration of a diesel export ban by Russian authorities.
- Putin acknowledged the need for government action to mitigate the impact of these strikes but did not specify the measures, emphasizing that primary responsibility lies with the Defense Ministry and security agencies.
- The briefing occurred amid mounting political pressure on Putin domestically, as the war's effects increasingly strain Russian society and infrastructure.
