In a recent statement made during a meeting of the Russian Military-Industrial Commission on September 18, President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine is intentionally hindering peace talks aimed at resolving the nearly five-year conflict. He accused the Ukrainian government of interfering in Russia's parliamentary elections, which began on the same day and will last for three days.

Putin asserted that Ukraine has long become a dictatorial regime, criticizing its leadership for not organizing new presidential elections despite the expiration of President Volodymyr Zelensky's term. He remarked, "The leadership of Ukraine, as you know, is not in a hurry to hold elections, but they are also trying to interfere in our affairs." Ukrainian officials, including Zelensky, have stated that elections cannot be held as long as the state of emergency, in effect since Russia's military operation began in February 2022, remains.

During his address, Putin emphasized that the current elections would demonstrate the support of millions for the Russian military engaged in Ukraine. He pointed out that recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, including a strike that killed a local election commission head in Zaporizhzhia, indicate that Kyiv's calls for negotiations are insincere. "By carrying out such actions, they are doing everything to ensure that there is no peace and no negotiations," he stated.

Furthermore, Putin reiterated Russia's reliance on its nuclear triad, which includes land-based, sea-based, and air-launched nuclear weapons. He also highlighted the need to enhance missile defense capabilities in light of Ukraine's rapid development of drone technology, which has enabled attacks on industrial targets within Russia from distances of up to 3,000 km from the border. These attacks have disrupted fuel supplies and affected various aspects of daily life for Russian citizens.