Putin Warns Ukraine Has "Opened Pandora's Box" Amid Intensified Cross-Border Strikes on Economic Targets

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a severe warning to Kyiv, stating that Ukraine has "opened Pandora's box" by escalating a campaign of long-range drone strikes targeting critical Russian economic and industrial infrastructure. Speaking to state media, Putin asserted that Moscow would respond forcefully by targeting Ukraine's most sensitive economic sectors, following a surge of cross-border operations that have increasingly hit logistics hubs, energy networks, and commercial supply chains on both sides.

Ukrainian drone operations have struck multiple industrial sites and logistics centers inside Russia—including facilities in the Samara region—aiming to disrupt revenue streams supporting Moscow's military campaign. In response, Russian aerial bombardments have intensified against Ukrainian urban and economic assets, including logistics networks and agricultural export channels. Addressing international concerns, Putin maintained that disruptions affecting regional shipping and agricultural exports would not trigger global supply shortages, asserting that domestic production could offset affected volumes.

The sharp escalation marks a widening of the conflict beyond conventional frontlines, heightening economic pressures and dimming near-term prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough.