Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine has opened a “Pandora’s box” by attacking Russian economic targets, promising retaliation focused on Ukraine’s key economic sectors. This summer, Ukraine intensified drone strikes on Russian infrastructure, aiming to disrupt facilities essential to Russia’s war efforts. In response, Russia has targeted Ukraine’s economic infrastructure, including its grain exports through the Black Sea.
Putin claimed that while these attacks might threaten Ukraine’s agricultural exports, they would not lead to global food shortages because Russia could replace Ukrainian exports. He acknowledged challenges in shipping goods but assured that these would be resolved.
Previously, Russia and Ukraine had a Turkish-brokered agreement to protect grain exports, but Russia withdrew from this deal in 2023. Putin also expressed that Russia is willing to engage in peace talks, but only based on the current realities, rejecting what he described as “exotic” proposals from Ukraine.
With information from Reuters
