Putin says Russia must strengthen air defences after Ukraine strikes

Russia must strengthen its air defences, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday, a day after Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal and naval base in Saint Petersburg, where a key economic forum is taking place.

Putin made the comments during a meeting with foreign journalists in the city, speaking on the sidelines of the flagship Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

"Russia has an air defence system. Yes, we must improve it. Yes, we must strengthen it. And we will do so," the Russian leader said.

Putin added that Russia was considering expanding the use of its hypersonic Oreshnik missile against cities in Ukraine, saying the weapon had not yet been used in the "full sense of the word."

Putin has repeatedly said that the missile -- which travels 10 times the speed of sound -- is capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Russia has fired missiles at Ukraine on at least three occasions.

When asked about whether Russia's offensive against Ukraine had become a "strategic disaster," Putin said that Russia was "advancing along the entire line of contact."

"We are absolutely ready and willing to reach an agreement with Ukraine through peaceful means," he added.

The pace of Russia's advance has slowed since late 2025, and recent data shows Ukraine has regained ground against Russia.

Ukraine recaptured more territory than it lost to Russian forces in May for the second straight month, according to an AFP analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

AFP