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Vladimir Putin claims Ukrainian defenses will crumble while preparing massive strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during a press conference in Bishkek that Ukrainian defenses would eventually crumble. He announced that Russian forces are preparing massive new attacks against Ukraine's energy infrastructure to continue the campaign against the country's power system. While maintaining an optimistic view of Russia's battlefield position, Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian drone strikes have caused damage to Russian oil refineries, noting that approximately 10% of the refining capacity remains to be repaired. Vladimir Putin also rejected suggestions that his recent decree allowing the state to impose temporary management over strategic facilities amounted to nationalization. He further dismissed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's warning that Russian airspace would become increasingly unsafe for civilian aircraft, labeling the statement a declaration of state terrorism and stating that one does not negotiate with terrorists. Regarding international relations, Vladimir Putin denied Germany's accusation that Russia was responsible for a drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. He also expressed readiness for negotiations with the administration, provided they have concrete substance, naming special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as potential mediators close to Donald Trump.

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