Putin acknowledges Ukrainian drone attacks breached Russian air defenses, vows improvements

Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted that Ukrainian drones had successfully breached his country's air defenses, acknowledging a need for improvement. "Unfortunately, some have penetrated (Russia's) air defense systems," Putin stated. "Russia has air defense systems, but we need to improve and strengthen them, and we will."

The admission came as drone attacks on St. Petersburg, including an oil terminal fire and a strike on a naval base, cast a shadow over the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The attacks highlighted Ukraine's growing capability to strike deep within Russian territory, undermining Putin's efforts to portray the war as a distant event.

In parallel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly addressed Putin in an open letter, proposing face-to-face negotiations. Zelenskyy also acknowledged a shift in U.S. priorities, suggesting Ukraine should not solely rely on American attention. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded that Putin had not yet seen the letter but indicated Zelenskyy could come to Moscow if he desired talks. Putin previously stated he would not rule out third-country talks if a compromise agreement could be reached.

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Unfortunately, some have penetrated (Russia's) air defense systems. Russia has air defense systems, but we need to improve and strengthen them, and we will.