Putin says Ukrainian infrastructure attacks are an attempt to destabilize Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Ukraine was attacking civilian infrastructure in Russia in an attempt to destabilize society.

Ukraine's attacks on oil refineries have doubled since the start of 2026, leading to long lines and higher prices ⁠for gasoline in some regions. Kyiv has said its aim is to sap a key source of Russia's war funds and show Russians the conflict is no longer distant.

Speaking to graduates of military and security institutions, Putin made his first remarks on the attacks since Ukrainian drones hit a Moscow refinery last week.

"Strikes against civilian ⁠infrastructure — what are they aimed at? To destabilize society, amid such a massive onslaught, when the entire West is working for them and these drones are coming ⁠in huge numbers, to create a sense of uncertainty about the actions of the Russian armed forces," he said ⁠at the televised meeting.

He also said Russian troops were close to taking control of Kostiantynivka, the southern anchor ⁠of the so-called "fortress belt" in the Donetsk region which Moscow has demanded Kyiv relinquish.


Reuters