Putin Says Ukraine Opened ‘Pandora's Box’ With Strikes on Economic Targets

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Saturday that Ukraine's strikes on Russian economic targets had opened "Pandora's box," warning that Russia would retaliate against Ukraine's "most sensitive economic sectors." Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russian economic infrastructure since the summer, aiming to cripple sectors critical to Russia's war effort, such as oil refineries and online retailers and warehouses.

In response, Russia has struck Ukrainian economic infrastructure, including grain exports through the Black Sea. Putin told a Russian state television journalist, "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."

He assured that the strikes, which have threatened Ukraine's agricultural exports, would not trigger global food crises, as Russia could replace Ukrainian goods, despite Ukraine's targeting of Russian grain export infrastructure. The Russian leader reiterated his willingness for peace talks, but only if they are based on "realities on the ground" and not on "exotic" proposals suggested by Ukraine through intermediaries.

Russia and Ukraine had previously followed a Turkish-brokered deal to safeguard grain exports on the Black Sea, but Russia abandoned the agreement in 2023. Putin also reaffirmed his stance that Moscow is open to peace discussions, but under the condition of the "realities on the ground," contrasting with what he termed "exotic" proposals proposed by Ukraine via intermediaries.

He acknowledged that Russia is confronting significant challenges, including a designation by the Prosecutor General's Office as an "undesirable" organization, which could lead to prosecutions for its journalists. This move, along with the earlier labeling of The Moscow Times as a "foreign agent," is seen as an attempt to stifle independent journalism in Russia.

Despite these repressive measures, The Moscow Times insists on providing unbiased, accurate reporting on Russia. It calls upon readers to support its work, regardless of the amount, and promises that even small contributions can make a substantial difference in maintaining open, independent journalism in the face of Russian repression.