Ukraine Strikes Russian Facilities; Putin Warns of Retaliation

Ukraine has escalated its drone attacks on Russian energy and logistics infrastructure, a move seen as an effort to sway public opinion against President Vladimir Putin ahead of the March 18 general election. Russia, however, has vowed retaliation, with Putin warning that Ukraine has opened "Pandora's box."

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Ukraine tried to destroy our economy. It has opened Pandora's box itself. It will pay the price soon.

In response to Ukraine's strikes, Russia launched a series of large-scale airstrikes on Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, on March 21 and 22. The attacks targeted civilian areas, with a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown, hit by drones twice in 30-minute intervals, killing at least 16 people and injuring over 130. Russia also struck a large warehouse in Kyiv, killing at least one person.

Ukrainian attacks have increasingly targeted Russian civilian infrastructure, including logistics warehouses of major e-commerce companies like Wildberries and Ozon. The Ozon logistics hub in Samara was hit by a Ukrainian drone, forcing its indefinite suspension. These attacks aim to disrupt supply chains and increase the cost of war for Russia.

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Absolutely cruel and vile. We will definitely respond.

Amidst the escalating conflict, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on March 22 that France would provide Ukraine with interceptor missiles to bolster its air defense capabilities. A meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing," comprising over 30 countries supporting Ukraine, is scheduled for March 24 in Kyiv to discuss further assistance.

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We will provide interceptor missiles to Ukraine and strengthen our support. It is important to provide Ukraine with all the means necessary to defend its airspace and deter aggression.