Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday accused Ukraine of carrying out attacks on civilian infrastructure inside Russia in an effort to create instability and undermine public confidence amid the ongoing conflict between the two countries.

Speaking during a televised meeting with graduates of Russian military and security institutions, Putin said recent drone attacks were intended to sow uncertainty among the Russian population.

“Strikes against civilian infrastructure — what are they aimed at? To destabilize society,” Putin said. He added that the attacks were designed to “create a sense of uncertainty about the actions of the Russian armed forces” amid what he described as large-scale Western support for Ukraine.

The remarks marked Putin’s first public comments on the issue since Ukrainian drones targeted a refinery in the Moscow region last week.

Increase in Attacks on Energy Infrastructure

According to Russian officials, attacks on oil refineries and energy facilities have increased since the beginning of 2026, disrupting fuel supplies in some areas and contributing to higher gasoline prices and longer queues at filling stations.

Ukraine has stated that attacks on Russian energy infrastructure are intended to reduce a major source of revenue used to finance Russia’s military operations and to demonstrate that the war has direct consequences inside Russia.

Situation on the Front Line

Putin also addressed developments on the battlefield, saying Russian forces were approaching the city of Kostiantynivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.

The city is considered part of a defensive network of urban centers that Ukrainian forces have used to maintain positions in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly demanded that Kyiv relinquish control of territories that Russia claims to have annexed.

Neither Ukrainian authorities nor independent observers immediately confirmed Putin’s assessment regarding the military situation around Kostiantynivka.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fifth year, continues to involve intense fighting along the front lines as well as increasingly frequent long-range drone and missile strikes targeting infrastructure and military facilities on both sides.