Russia admits indiscriminate strikes on Ukraine after Kyiv targets Russian infrastructure

Peskov asserted that Russia had previously avoided such broad strikes but initiated them after Ukraine "opened Pandora's box" by targeting Russian economic assets. This sentiment was echoed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who in late August warned that Ukraine's actions against Russia's economy would lead to retaliation against Ukraine's "most sensitive economic sectors."

In recent weeks, Russia has significantly increased its deployment of jet-powered attack drones against Ukraine. Kyiv has experienced particularly heavy and near-constant drone assaults for over a week, leading to concerns among residents about the approaching winter. Russia has a history of targeting Ukraine's energy grid, causing extensive damage and power outages since the full-scale invasion began.

Ukraine, in turn, has increased its strikes on Russian oil refineries, fuel depots, and other strategic sites to diminish Moscow's energy revenues and exert economic pressure. The drone attacks have extended close to Poland's border, with strikes reported in Volyn Oblast on September 13. These attacks have impacted infrastructure such as gas stations and a passenger train near the border. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko noted that the city faces resource limitations in building shelters at gas stations and in intercepting drones and missiles.