Putin Pledges Stronger Air Defenses After Ukrainian Drone Strikes
6 hours ago
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow will strengthen its air defense systems following a series of Ukrainian drone attacks that have reached deep into Russian territory.
Putin made the remarks Thursday during a meeting with international news agency leaders on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russia's premier annual event aimed at attracting foreign investment and showcasing the country's economy.
The comments came just days after Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg and targeted a nearby historic naval base. The attacks occurred shortly before the economic forum opened, creating an unwelcome backdrop for an event the Kremlin traditionally uses to highlight Russia's economic strength and international partnerships.
Responding to a question from The Associated Press, Putin vowed that Russia would bolster its air defenses to counter the growing threat posed by long-range Ukrainian drone operations.
Ukraine has increasingly relied on drone attacks to strike targets far from the front lines, aiming to disrupt Russia's energy infrastructure, military facilities, and defense industries. Recent attacks have demonstrated Kyiv's ability to reach strategic locations hundreds of miles inside Russia.
The latest strikes come as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues with no clear end in sight. Both sides have intensified long-range attacks in recent months, targeting military, energy, and transportation infrastructure.
Despite the security concerns, Russian officials have continued with the St. Petersburg forum, which remains one of the country's most important economic and diplomatic gatherings.
Putin made the remarks Thursday during a meeting with international news agency leaders on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russia's premier annual event aimed at attracting foreign investment and showcasing the country's economy.
The comments came just days after Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg and targeted a nearby historic naval base. The attacks occurred shortly before the economic forum opened, creating an unwelcome backdrop for an event the Kremlin traditionally uses to highlight Russia's economic strength and international partnerships.
Responding to a question from The Associated Press, Putin vowed that Russia would bolster its air defenses to counter the growing threat posed by long-range Ukrainian drone operations.
Ukraine has increasingly relied on drone attacks to strike targets far from the front lines, aiming to disrupt Russia's energy infrastructure, military facilities, and defense industries. Recent attacks have demonstrated Kyiv's ability to reach strategic locations hundreds of miles inside Russia.
The latest strikes come as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues with no clear end in sight. Both sides have intensified long-range attacks in recent months, targeting military, energy, and transportation infrastructure.
Despite the security concerns, Russian officials have continued with the St. Petersburg forum, which remains one of the country's most important economic and diplomatic gatherings.
