President Vladimir Putin stated in an interview with Vesti on 22/8 that Russia's recent escalation of attacks is "a consequence of Ukraine's reckless step," referring to Kyiv's missile and drone strikes on Russian civilian and logistical facilities.

"The goal of this operation is to make Russia collapse, which Ukraine constantly dreams of and mentions. The 40-day campaign Ukraine launched ended on 5/8; what were the results?" Putin asked.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) during an interview with Vesti on 22/8. Photo: RIA Novosti

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) during an interview with Vesti on 22/8. Photo: RIA Novosti

According to the Russian President, Ukraine deliberately damaged Russia's economy and "opened this Pandora's box," a reference to the Greek myth of a mysterious box containing misfortune, disasters, and war.

"Now, Ukraine will face retaliation aimed at its most sensitive and struggling economic sectors," Putin warned. "This also applies to their agriculture, which is a primary source of income."

Putin asserted that this retaliation would not lead to a global food shortage because Russia can replace supplies from Ukraine, even if Ukraine's grain export infrastructure is targeted.

"We do face challenges in transporting goods, but we will resolve these issues. Therefore, there will be no shortage of supplies in the global market," the Russian President said.

A fire rises from a warehouse in Elektrostal, Moskva province, Russia, after an attack on 18/7. Photo: Reuters

A fire rises from a warehouse in Elektrostal, Moskva province, Russia, after an attack on 18/7. Photo: Reuters

Ukraine has recently intensified its campaign targeting Russia's economic infrastructure, including oil refineries and warehouses belonging to the Wildberries retail group and other online sellers. In response, Russia has consistently launched ballistic missiles against Ukraine's economic infrastructure, including the country's Black Sea grain export routes. Ballistic missiles are a weapon type that Ukrainian air defense currently cannot counter due to a shortage of Patriot air defense missiles.

Ozon, Russia's second-largest online retailer, reported on 22/8 that its logistics center in Chapayevsk, Samara province, ceased operations after a Ukrainian attack. This marked the first time Ukraine targeted an Ozon facility after weeks of striking Wildberries warehouses.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Putin reiterated that Russia is ready for peace talks, but only based on "facts on the ground" rather than "quirky proposals Ukraine presents through intermediaries."

Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, TASS, RBC)