Putin warns Ukraine's economic attacks opened 'Pandora's box,' vows retaliation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Ukraine that its attacks on Russian economic targets are akin to opening "Pandora's box." He stated that Russia will retaliate against Ukraine's "most sensitive economic sectors."

This warning comes as Ukraine has escalated its drone attacks on Russian economic infrastructure over the summer. Targets have included oil refineries and warehouses belonging to online retailers, which Kyiv considers facilities closely linked to Russia's war effort.

Russia has responded with attacks on Ukrainian economic infrastructure, including grain exports via the Black Sea. Putin, speaking to Russian state television, asserted that while these attacks might affect Ukrainian agricultural exports, they would not lead to global food shortages. He noted that Russia can compensate for any lost Ukrainian exports, even if Ukrainian facilities are targeted.

Historically, Russia and Ukraine adhered to a Turkish-brokered agreement ensuring safe Black Sea grain exports, but Russia withdrew from this deal in 2023. Putin also reiterated his openness to peace talks, but only if they are based on "realities on the ground," dismissing proposals he described as "strange" and put forward by Ukraine through third parties.

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Kyiv's regime wants to harm our economy. What is the result? They themselves opened Pandora's box. So let them expect us to hit their most sensitive economic sectors in response.