Putin says Russia will strengthen air defense

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia intends to bolster its air defense capabilities in response to Ukrainian attacks. Speaking at a meeting with foreign press in St. Petersburg, Putin acknowledged the need to improve and strengthen the existing air defense system.

"Russia has an air defense system. Yes, we need to improve it. Yes, we need to strengthen it. And we will do it," Putin stated during the event, which took place on Thursday evening. The forum is often referred to as "Putin's Davos."

Putin also addressed the use of advanced weaponry, clarifying that Russia has not yet deployed its supersonic Oresjnik missile in real combat operations against Ukraine. He specified that the missile has only been used for testing purposes. According to Reuters, the Oresjnik missile was first fired towards Ukraine in 2024 and has been launched twice since then.

The missile is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and has a range exceeding 500 miles. Putin has previously claimed the missile is impossible to intercept, a assertion that Western experts have questioned.

Putin's comments came a day after Ukrainian attacks cast a shadow over the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The Kremlin had previously stated that these attacks did not disrupt Putin's plans for the forum. Putin is scheduled to deliver a speech at the conference on Friday.

“

Russia has an air defense system. Yes, we need to improve it. Yes, we need to strengthen it. And we will do it.