Putin calls Ukrainian leadership “terrorists” and orders strikes on energy infrastructure to be prepared

At a late-night press conference following the SCO summit in Bishkek, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia is winning the war against Ukraine, called Ukraine’s leaders “terrorists,” and announced an order to carry out large-scale strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Speaking to journalists, Putin said Russian forces had captured 270 square kilometers and 15 settlements in the Donetsk region in August, and that a large grouping of Ukrainian troops was encircled. Reuters was unable to independently verify these claims.

“I have no doubt that the enemy will break,” — Putin said, without specifying a timeline.

Threats to energy infrastructure

Putin announced that Russia’s armed forces had been ordered to prepare and carry out large-scale strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities, presenting this as a response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure. He acknowledged that a 40-day Ukrainian strike campaign had caused damage equivalent to roughly 1% of Russia’s GDP, hitting around 100 Russian vessels and damaging oil refineries, but called the losses “non-critical.”

Putin characterized a recent warning by Volodymyr Zelensky — that Ukrainian drones would effectively close Russian airspace — as “state terrorism.” He said Moscow would find a way to respond if such threats were carried out.

“You don’t negotiate with terrorists,” — Putin stated.

Contradictory signals on diplomacy

Despite the bellicose rhetoric, Putin left a narrow window open for talks, saying Moscow was open to “concrete” negotiations if fresh momentum could be found. He said the peace process was currently “frozen,” but that Russia would welcome the involvement of additional parties capable of making a meaningful contribution.

In a notable remark, Putin explained why Russia was not striking Ukraine’s political leadership. According to Anadolu Agency and Meduza, he said:

“We need some people there to negotiate with, if they come to understand that they want to resolve the situation peacefully.”

Putin dismissed rumors of a new wave of military mobilization in Russia, calling such reports “complete nonsense” and a disinformation campaign against the country. He also commented on Germany’s accusations of Russian involvement in a drone attack at Leipzig airport, linking them to the German chancellor’s domestic political difficulties.

Also on Tuesday, Zelensky warned that Ukraine intended to keep escalating drone strikes until Russian airspace was effectively closed to civilian aviation.

“Safe moments in Russia’s airspace are over,” — Zelensky said in a video address.