Putin Vows Air Defense Boost After Ukrainian Drone Strikes Hit St Petersburg

Speaking at a meeting with international news agency heads on Thursday, Putin openly acknowledged that Ukrainian drones have successfully breached Russian defenses, according to Breitbart News. The Russian leader confirmed that his military will work to strengthen and improve existing air defense systems in response to the strikes.

The remarks came during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin’s annual showcase for foreign investment, which was overshadowed by a Ukrainian drone attack just hours before its Wednesday opening. The strike ignited an oil terminal in St. Petersburg and struck a nearby naval base, highlighting the vulnerability of Russian infrastructure even in Putin’s own city.

Putin Signals Openness to Ukraine Deal Based on Trump Summit

During the wide-ranging session, Putin stated that Russia remains willing to accept a compromise on Ukraine based on agreements reached during his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, as Breitbart News reports. However, he insisted that Ukraine must accept those terms to end the conflict, which has now entered its fifth year.

The Russian president emphasized that Moscow seeks a comprehensive settlement rather than a temporary ceasefire, and rejected the notion that hostilities need to be suspended before negotiations can begin. Putin made clear that Ukraine would prefer Russian forces halt their advances, but indicated Russia will continue military operations while diplomatic talks proceed.

Zelenskyy Proposes Direct Talks Amid Shifting U.S. Priorities

On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly proposed face-to-face negotiations with Putin in a direct letter. Zelenskyy acknowledged that U.S. attention has shifted away from Ukraine as Washington focuses heavily on the Iran conflict, suggesting it would be unwise to wait for American priorities to shift back.

President Trump responded from Washington, saying it would be positive if the two leaders met. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Putin had not yet seen Zelenskyy’s letter and reiterated that the Ukrainian president could travel to Moscow if he wishes to negotiate. Putin previously indicated he would only meet in a third country once a deal is ready for signing.

Russia Rejects European Union as Mediator

Putin dismissed the possibility of European Union countries serving as mediators in peace talks, arguing that true mediation requires neutrality. He questioned how Russia could trust nations that have spent years advocating for Russia’s strategic defeat.

The Russian leader insisted that any third-party mediators must be trusted by both sides to be effective in facilitating negotiations.

Putin Discusses Oreshnik Missile and Military Strategy

Addressing Russia’s use of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, Putin revealed that initial strikes targeted areas where results could be easily observed and assessed. He explained this was necessary to evaluate the weapon’s capability and precision before deploying it against targets in populated areas.

Putin emphasized his determination to control the entire Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, noting that Ukrainian forces currently hold approximately 15 percent of the territory. He declared that Russian troops are advancing along the entire line of contact and that the patriotism and resolve of the Russian people will ensure Moscow achieves its objectives in Ukraine.

Putin Denies Russian Sabotage Campaign in Europe

When questioned about an AP investigation documenting 191 incidents across Europe—including sabotage, cyberattacks, and attempted assassinations that Western officials attribute to Russia—Putin demanded specific proof of Moscow’s involvement. He characterized the accusations as evidence that Europe refuses to engage with Russia as an equal partner and suggested Western political figures are pursuing aggressive plans against the Russian Federation.

Russia Open to Iran Settlement Role

On the subject of the ongoing conflict in Iran, Putin indicated that Russia’s proposal to take enriched uranium from Iran for storage remains available. He noted that Russia fulfilled this role as part of the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers and stands ready to do so again.

Putin Deflects Questions on Future Presidential Run

When asked whether he plans to seek another term that would keep him in office until 2036, when he would be 83 years old, the 73-year-old Putin laughed and said he is not considering it. The Russian president, who has held power for over a quarter-century, cited uncertainty about health and future circumstances as reasons he has not thought about extending his rule beyond his current term.

With information from Breitbart News