Putin vows Russia will 'overcome challenges' as Ukraine strikes deep behind enemy lines
Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would overcome the challenges it faces and continue strengthening its national security as Ukraine stepped up attacks on strategic targets inside Russian territory. His remarks come at a time when Moscow is facing increased military, political and diplomatic pressure after more than four years of war.
The Kremlin is dealing with repeated Ukrainian strikes, growing criticism from Russian nationalist voices demanding tougher military action, and uncertainty over the future of peace negotiations.
Ukraine targets key military-industrial facility
Ukraine claimed responsibility for striking the Titan-Barrikady industrial complex in Volgograd, one of Russia's major defence manufacturing facilities.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the attack involved FP-5 Flamingo missiles and targeted a factory that produces artillery systems and components used in the Iskander-M missile system, which Russia has frequently used to strike Ukrainian cities.
Russian authorities confirmed an attack on an industrial site in Volgograd's Krasnooktyabrsky district. Regional Governor Andrei Bocharov said production facilities were damaged and at least 10 people were injured, though he did not identify the affected company.
Ukraine's security service also said it struck an oil pumping facility in Russia's Vladimir region for the second time this month, aiming to disrupt fuel supplies supporting Russia's military operations.
Long-range campaign intensifies
Ukraine has significantly expanded its long-range missile and drone campaign in recent months, focusing on military industries, fuel infrastructure and logistics hubs deep inside Russia.
President Zelenskyy has described the strategy as an effort to weaken Russia's war machine, reduce military supplies and pressure President Putin into meaningful peace negotiations.
The latest strikes followed one of Ukraine's largest drone assaults since the war began, with Russia claiming it intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones across multiple regions.
Diplomatic efforts remain deadlocked
Despite periodic discussions between Moscow and Washington, negotiations have failed to produce a breakthrough.
Russia continues to insist that any future settlement must recognise what it calls new territorial realities, including control over occupied Ukrainian regions. Ukraine and its Western allies reject those demands, arguing they would reward military aggression.
The diplomatic stalemate has widened the gap between battlefield developments and political negotiations, leaving prospects for a ceasefire uncertain.
While Ukraine carried out strikes inside Russia, Moscow continued its attacks on Ukrainian territory.
A Russian drone strike killed a 66-year-old man in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region after hitting a private home, according to regional authorities.
Both sides continue to exchange long-range attacks as the conflict enters its fifth year, with neither showing signs of easing military operations despite ongoing international calls for peace.
(With AFP inputs)