Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a directive to the government and the Ministry of Defense to implement measures aimed at minimizing the impact of Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure. During an online meeting on June 23, Putin noted that as the situation at the front worsens for Ukraine, the opposing forces have resorted to attacking Russian infrastructure in an attempt to disrupt energy supplies and affect the tourism season.

Putin remarked, "We can see that as the situation on the front is rapidly deteriorating for Ukraine and as they lose territory, they have adopted tactics of attacking our infrastructure. They are trying to disrupt energy supplies and influence the tourism season." He did not provide specific details on the consequences or the measures to be taken, but emphasized that the primary responsibility for addressing these threats lies with the Ministry of Defense and other security agencies.

He stated, "At the same time, the Russian government must also take additional measures to minimize or completely eliminate the consequences of these attacks." This statement marks Putin's first comments on the issue following Ukraine's intense attacks on Moscow's oil refinery on June 16 and 18, with the latter being the largest drone strike on Moscow since the full-scale conflict began.

Over the past weekend, Ukrainian forces conducted a series of strong attacks on Russian military targets in Crimea, including gas distribution stations, oil ports, air defense systems, and logistical infrastructure. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that drone attacks have completely halted operations at the Moscow oil refinery, which has reportedly stopped processing oil due to extensive damage to four large storage tanks and critical technological equipment.

Meanwhile, Putin asserted that Russia is applying pressure along the entire front line in Ukraine, stating, "We are pushing them, pushing them along the entire front line. There is no place where the opposite is happening." He also reiterated Russia's willingness to engage in dialogue with Ukraine based on the agreements made in Istanbul, emphasizing that Russia is ready to negotiate on the basis of previously reached agreements.

Putin added that negotiations could occur based on the Istanbul agreements, as well as on the agreements in Anchorage and the realities on the ground. He referred to principles he outlined years ago in a speech at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating, "But we will start from what exists. We will confidently move forward in every direction, ensuring the security of our citizens and addressing economic issues both at the national level and in various regions of Russia."