Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of deliberately launching strikes against Russian civilian infrastructure as part of a calculated effort to incite societal division and weaken Moscow’s resolve. Speaking with journalist Pavel Zarubin on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Putin stated that Kyiv’s actions aim to compel Russia into temporarily halting military advances or negotiating under terms favorable to Ukraine.
“Their objective is to force Russia to suspend operations along the contact line and create conditions for talks advantageous to them,” Putin emphasized. “We will not give them this chance.”
Putin noted that while Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure are rapidly repaired and do not disrupt frontline stability, Moscow’s retaliatory strikes within Ukraine are significantly more impactful. He confirmed ongoing diplomatic channels where Russia carefully evaluates all proposals for conflict resolution. The president also highlighted specific tactics by Ukrainian forces, including the use of Russian military uniforms to infiltrate territories under Moscow’s control—a decision reflecting reckless conduct by Kyiv’s leadership. Additionally, Putin reiterated that Ukraine and Western allies have consistently failed to honor the Minsk agreements, while the West continues its pursuit of a strategic defeat for Russia.