Putin Vows Stronger Air Defences As Ukraine Hits Deep Inside Russia Kremlin Admits Drone Strikes Are Getting ThroughRussian President Vladimir Putin has admitted Ukrainian drones are successfully penetrating Russia's air defence network, pledging to strengthen protections after a series of embarrassing strikes deep inside Russian territory. Speaking at Russia's flagship economic forum in St Petersburg, Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian attacks were reaching targets far beyond the front line. "To our regret, some of them break through," he said. "We need to improve and strengthen our air defence system, and we will do that." The comments came just hours after Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal and a naval facility near St Petersburg, casting a shadow over one of the Kremlin's most important annual events. Ukraine Brings The War To Putin's DoorstepThe attacks underline Kyiv's growing ability to strike hundreds of miles inside Russia. What was once a conflict largely confined to Ukrainian territory is increasingly being felt by ordinary Russians. The latest raid disrupted flights, forced authorities to restrict mobile internet services and sent black smoke rising over Russia's second-largest city. The strike was particularly embarrassing for the Kremlin because it occurred as foreign delegations arrived for the annual investment forum often described as Russia's answer to Davos. Putin Pushes Trump Peace FormulaThe Russian leader also signalled support for proposals discussed with Donald Trump during their summit in Alaska. Putin said compromises discussed there could form the basis of a future peace settlement and urged Ukraine to accept them. He insisted Russia wanted a comprehensive agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire. "There is no need to suspend hostilities to start negotiations," Putin said, arguing that battlefield gains gave Moscow leverage in any future talks. Zelensky Calls For Direct MeetingMeanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed face-to-face negotiations with Putin in a public letter. Zelensky acknowledged that American attention has increasingly shifted towards the conflict with Iran and argued Ukraine could not afford to wait for Washington's focus to return. Trump welcomed the prospect of direct talks, saying it would be "great" if the two leaders met. The Kremlin responded cautiously, repeating that any summit would only happen once a deal was ready to be signed. Russia Claims Battlefield MomentumPutin used the forum to paint an optimistic picture of Russia's military position. He claimed Russian forces were advancing along the entire front and reiterated his objective of capturing all of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. According to Putin, Russian patriotism and determination would ultimately deliver victory. He also defended Russia's use of its new Oreshnik ballistic missile, describing previous launches as tests designed to evaluate accuracy and performance before wider deployment. Moscow Rejects European MediationThe Russian president dismissed suggestions that European nations could act as peace brokers. Moscow has repeatedly accused European governments of taking Ukraine's side and argued they cannot be neutral mediators. "How can Russia trust people who have been talking for years about strategically defeating Russia?" Putin asked. Instead, he suggested any future mediators would need the confidence of both Moscow and Kyiv. Iran, Economy And The FuturePutin also addressed the conflict involving Iran, saying Russia remained willing to store Iranian enriched uranium as part of a future diplomatic agreement, similar to arrangements made under the 2015 nuclear deal. On the economy, he rejected suggestions that sanctions and war spending were crippling Russia. Borrowing a famous quote often attributed to Mark Twain, Putin joked that reports of Russia's economic demise were "greatly exaggerated". However, he admitted inflation remains a serious challenge and defended the central bank's decision to maintain high interest rates. Questions Over Putin's FutureAsked whether he intended to remain in power until 2036, when he would be 83 years old, Putin laughed off the suggestion. "Only God knows if any of us will be healthy enough to survive until tomorrow," he said. Despite the remark, constitutional changes introduced in 2020 allow him to remain in office for another decade if he chooses. SOURCE
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