Putin calls for measures to safeguard civilian facilities

MOSCOW/KYIV — The Russian government and the defense ministry must roll out measures to mitigate the fallout from Ukrainian strikes against Russia's civilian infrastructure, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

During a video conference with members of the government, Putin noted that the frontline situation for Ukraine has deteriorated rapidly. Kyiv has adopted a tactic of launching attacks on Russian civilian facilities and civilian infrastructure in an attempt to create threats against Russia, disrupt energy supplies and affect the tourist season, he said.

"The primary responsibility for mitigating these threats lies with the Ministry of Defense and other security agencies. At the same time, the Government of the Russian Federation must also take additional measures to minimize and reduce to zero the consequences of such actions," Putin said, adding that Ukraine's attacks are designed to secure favorable bargaining leverage for itself in peace talks.

"Targeting civilian infrastructure ... cannot alter or sway developments on the front lines," he added.

Putin also noted that Russia will stick to its established stance and remains ready to engage in peace negotiations with Ukraine based on the agreements reached in Istanbul, and the frameworks discussed with the United States.

Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in recent months, including oil refineries in multiple regions. Kyiv confirmed on Tuesday that its forces struck a railway bridge, a power plant and other key infrastructure targets in Crimea.

Following the intensification of Ukraine's drone strikes inside Russia, Russia has accused the United States of failing to deliver on "understandings" reached between presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump at a summit in Alaska last August, a shift that suggests growing frustration in Moscow, according to Reuters.

In the space of three days, three senior Russian officials have said, without providing specifics, that Washington has not followed through.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's UN Ambassador Andrii Melnyk said on Monday that Kyiv remained ready for direct talks with Russia to achieve a "just and lasting peace" based on the UN Charter, but said that Ukraine's willingness to compromise was not open-ended.

XINHUA-AGENCIES