Putin Warns Ukraine of Economic Retaliation, Citing 'Pandora's Box'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Ukraine's recent drone strikes on Russian economic infrastructure have opened a "Pandora's box," and that Moscow will respond by targeting Ukraine's most sensitive economic sectors. His remarks were published on Saturday in a televised interview with a Russian state television journalist.
Ukraine has escalated its long-range drone campaign this summer, striking Russian oil refineries, warehouses of online retailers, and other economic sites. Kyiv says these attacks are aimed at disrupting the logistics and revenue streams that sustain Russia's war effort.
In response, Russia has carried out strikes on Ukrainian economic infrastructure, particularly targeting grain export facilities and ports along the Black Sea. These attacks have affected Ukraine's ability to ship agricultural products, a key source of revenue for its economy.
Putin, when asked about the impact of Ukraine's strikes, said: "The Kyiv regime set out to damage our economy. What did it do? It opened this Pandora's box itself. Well then, expect a response targeting your most sensitive economic sectors."
The Russian leader dismissed concerns that the strikes could lead to global food shortages. He argued that Russia could compensate for any reduction in Ukrainian grain exports, even though Ukraine has also targeted Russian grain export infrastructure. "We do face challenges regarding the shipment of our goods, but we will resolve these issues. Consequently, there will be no shortage on the global market," Putin said.
Ukraine and Russia had previously agreed to a deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations to allow safe grain exports from Black Sea ports. However, Russia withdrew from the agreement in 2023, and subsequent efforts to revive it have failed.
Putin also reiterated that Russia remains open to peace talks, but only on the basis of what he called "realities on the ground". He dismissed proposals reportedly made by Ukraine through intermediaries as "exotic", without providing details.
The comments come as the conflict continues to take a toll on both economies, with each side targeting the other's infrastructure in an attempt to gain leverage in the war.
