«They themselves unleashed the genie from the bottle» – Putin on strikes in Ukraine

UKRAINE – RUSSIA. «They themselves unleashed the genie from the bottle» – Putin on strikes in Ukraine. 15:22 / 23.08.2026. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted in an interview with VGTRK propagandist Pavel Zarubin that Kyiv's goal is to inflict damage on the Russian economy, and that Russia will respond accordingly.

Below are his thoughts presented in a condensed and edited form. The full text can be read on the Kremlin website. "Russia intensified strikes across Ukraine in response to the Ukrainians' 40-day 'impact operation.'" ## Key Details and Important Information Ukrainian armed forces targeted Russian civilian objects and logistics. ## Key Details and Important Information However, the final outcome was contrary to Ukraine's expectations. ## Key Details and Important Information Kyiv set out to damage our economy. ## Key Details and Important Information He himself opened Pandora's box and unleashed the genie from the bottle. ## Process and Consequences Now, a response will be given to your already struggling economic sectors. ## Key Details and Important Information The agricultural sector is included as well. ## Process and Consequences Did you want to disrupt our logistics? ## Key Details and Important Information The response will not be long in coming. ## Process and Consequences Accept this. ## Key Details and Important Information Russia's strikes across Ukraine are more effective than the strikes of the Ukrainian armed forces on Russia; they are more timely and more devastating. ## Process and Consequences Russian strikes are also aiding our fighters on the front.

The proposals coming to us sometimes have an exotic nature and are unacceptable. We are always ready for dialogue about peace, but only based on existing realities.