Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on Tuesday that Ukrainian drone attacks have damaged approximately 100 Russian vessels but stated that the harm inflicted has not been critical. Speaking to reporters in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, Putin confirmed that these strikes have resulted in casualties, including foreign sailors from Azerbaijan and Turkiye. He estimated the economic impact of the attacks at around 1% of Russia’s gross domestic product, emphasizing that Ukraine has not caused “critical damage” to Russia.

The Ukrainian military has intensified its efforts to target Russian maritime assets in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, focusing on oil tankers and grain ships as part of a broader strategy to weaken Russia’s war economy. Additionally, Kiev has increased long-range drone strikes on Russian territory, aiming at oil refineries and logistics centers. Putin noted that protection measures around these facilities have since been significantly strengthened, addressing prior complaints by companies about insufficient state security guarantees.

Putin reiterated his accusation that Kyiv has “opened Pandora’s box” with these attacks, warning of potential escalated Russian air strikes in retaliation. The conflict has seen reciprocal targeting of energy infrastructure, with Russia launching intensified strikes on Ukraine’s facilities. Ukrainian officials have reported extensive damage costing billions and criticized Western allies for insufficient supply of air defense missiles.

In parallel with these developments, Russian drone attacks within Ukraine have caused at least one death and wounded more than a dozen people amid ongoing threats of escalation by both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin. Ukrainian authorities reported recent attacks in the capital Kiev, the southern port city of Odesa, and in the eastern city of Dnipro, where a male casualty was recovered from rubble.

Ukraine’s Air Force reported that overnight Russian assaults involved 174 attack drones, nearly half of which were jet-powered and more difficult to intercept, along with two ballistic missiles and two plane-launched missiles. Conversely, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that its air defenses shot down 130 Ukrainian drones over 11 Russian regions, including Crimea and the Black Sea coast.

The continuing drone warfare reflects the escalating intensity and complexity of the conflict, underscoring the strategic focus on disrupting each side’s logistical and economic capabilities. Both Russia and Ukraine appear prepared for further confrontations amid mounting losses and damage on both sides.