Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure
Russia will intensify its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday in the Kremlin, receiving Russian soldiers participating in the war in Ukraine on the occasion of Russia Day.
The Russian president emphasized that NATO member states are increasing hostile activities against Russia. He noted that the enemy is increasingly using aircraft-type drones with the aim of dividing Russian society and causing economic damage. He expressed his conviction that this will not succeed.
"Considering what they are doing, it is our duty and next task to give them the necessary response. We are doing this, and we will strengthen our attacks on the enemy's infrastructure to discourage them from attacking our civilian targets," said Vladimir Putin, as quoted by MTI.
He stated that a satellite system for controlling combat drones is under development. According to Putin, the Russian low-orbit satellite constellation is not inferior to Starlink, and in some respects may even surpass it.
He added that the development of drones with artificial intelligence is also underway.
Speaking about the course of the war, Putin said that Russia is gradually bringing territories under its control in the "special military operation" zone and will achieve results. He expressed Moscow's readiness for negotiations, but only taking into account the real situation on the ground.
He stated that the size of the Russian armed forces in the "special military operation" zone exceeds 700,000 personnel.
The RBK news portal recalled that Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, said at the end of April that since the beginning of 2026, 127,000 people had signed contracts with the armed forces, and another 10,000 had joined volunteer units. On Friday, the Russian president also issued a decree setting the size of the Russian armed forces at 2,399,130 personnel, including 1,510,000 soldiers.
Cover image: Vladimir Putin (Photo: AFP)
