Full Breakdown
Kremlin Says Ukraine Paying Price Amid Intensified Russian Strikes
By Drooid · · How we work
Escalation of Russian Airstrikes and Ukrainian Losses
In recent months, Russian forces have stepped up air attacks across Ukraine, employing ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones. ArcelorMittal, the world’s second-largest steelmaker, announced the closure of Ukraine’s largest steel plant in Kryvyi Rih after four strikes in five weeks caused extensive damage and killed five workers. The company said “safe and sustainable” operations were no longer possible. The strikes have also hit logistics networks, Black Sea port facilities, civilian infrastructure, and commercial sites such as a warehouse used by a major fast-food chain.
Kremlin’s Position on Ukrainian Counter-Attacks
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to questions about how Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory affect Moscow’s stance on peace talks. President Vladimir Putin, speaking after the September parliamentary election, reiterated that all proposals to settle the 4½-year conflict remain on the table but that Moscow must assess its own interests. He also complained that Ukraine launched a “big attack on Moscow” during the vote and a drone strike on St Petersburg during a major economic forum in June.
Ukrainian Leadership’s View of the Impact
President Zelenskyy used his X account and a WhatsApp briefing to highlight the expanding scope of Russian attacks on infrastructure essential for daily life. Zelenskyy also called for additional financing, noting Ukraine is seeking an extra $27 billion for defence and has asked the European Union and the International Monetary Fund to help bridge its budget deficit. He urged the procurement of Ukrainian-made drones in October and November to avoid operational shortfalls at the start of next year.
International Reactions
Senior European officials sought to downplay concerns that upcoming elections in France and Germany could weaken support for Kyiv. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna added that the focus must remain on Ukraine’s immediate needs rather than electoral calculations.
Data & Statistics
- Four Russian strikes in five weeks hit the ArcelorMittal plant, killing five workers.
- The plant’s closure removes a facility that previously accounted for roughly 15 % of Ukraine’s steel exports.
- Ukraine is requesting an additional $27 billion in defence funding for the current year.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ukraine will have to pay a price for the actions that have taken place in recent months. This is what is happening now. Our armed forces are continuing the special military operation.” — Vladimir Putin, of russian president
- “There were also drone strikes today on a warehouse used by McDonald’s. An attack drone – against ordinary food products … American and other businesses, datacentres, internet providers – for Russia, ordinary life in and of itself is simply a target,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy