Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that Ukrainian strikes have caused damage to Russian infrastructure and other targets, as he defended Moscow’s response to the attacks and outlined his vision of a changing global order.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow, Putin said the world was undergoing major geopolitical changes and argued that international relations were moving towards what he described as a more stable, democratic and multipolar system. He also warned that the transition could involve significant risks.
Putin’s comments came amid continued attacks by both Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones and other weapons to target Russian military and economic infrastructure, including oil facilities, while Russia has continued missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.
In recent comments, Putin said Ukrainian attacks had caused casualties and damage to civilian and energy infrastructure, as well as to vessels in the Black Sea. He maintained that Russia had repaired the damage and said Moscow’s military response would continue.
The Kremlin has also said Ukraine is facing consequences for its attacks on Russian territory. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would continue striking targets in Ukraine, while Putin has argued that Ukrainian attacks have complicated prospects for renewed peace negotiations.
At the same time, Putin has continued to leave open the possibility of negotiations. He previously said Moscow was prepared to consider resuming talks with Kyiv after Russia’s parliamentary elections, although he stressed that any decision would be based on Russia’s interests.
The latest developments come as international concern grows over the escalating air war. The United Nations has warned that attacks are intensifying and that civilian casualties in Ukraine have risen sharply, describing the conflict as entering a dangerous new phase.
Putin’s wider message at Valdai focused heavily on the future of international relations. He argued that Western influence was declining and said Russia expected a more multipolar world to emerge, although he acknowledged that the transition could bring new security risks.
The war therefore continues on two fronts: military pressure is increasing, while diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. Both sides continue to accuse the other of escalating the conflict, and there is no confirmed breakthrough toward a lasting peace agreement.
For Ukraine, the growing use of long-range strikes has provided a way to target Russian military and economic infrastructure beyond the immediate frontline. For Russia, the response has included intensified attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and continued pressure for Kyiv to accept Moscow’s terms.
The coming months are expected to remain closely watched as both sides assess the impact of the strikes, while international powers continue efforts to find a diplomatic path toward ending the war.