Putin says he strikes Ukraine so it "won't feel like" attacking his refineries

What Happened

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum, said Russia is carrying out "retaliatory strikes" against Ukraine so that Ukraine "won't feel like harming" Russia, according to Russian state agency TASS and the Telegram channel Astra. Putin claimed Russian air defence repelled all drone attacks on oil refineries "the night before last", that drones attempted to attack three oil refineries, and that only 10% of repair work on oil refineries remains to be completed. These figures and claims are attributed to Putin and have not been independently verified. The article notes that Ukraine has targeted Russian military factories, airfields from which Russian fighter jets operate, and oil refineries that supply fuel to the Russian military.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Putin's remarks at the Eastern Economic Forum are an attempt to publicly downplay the economic and military impact of Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, while simultaneously acknowledging enough damage to mention repair work and the need for increased air defence production. Ukrainian targeting of refineries affects fuel supply for the Russian military and domestic economy, and Putin's framing of 'retaliatory strikes' signals potential escalation in Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Watch For

Monitor for new Russian missile or drone strikes framed as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on refineries, further Ukrainian drone operations against Russian logistical facilities, official Russian announcements on refinery repair completion and air defence production increases, and any fuel supply disruptions in Russian regions.