Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Energy and Naval Sites; Putin Vows Stronger Air Defenses

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia will strengthen its air defenses after a Ukrainian drone attack set an oil terminal ablaze in St. Petersburg and struck a nearby naval base the day before. The strikes delayed or diverted flights at the city's airport and prompted authorities to cut cellphone internet service to prevent further attacks.

Negotiations and U.S.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin had not seen the letter yet and repeated that Zelenskyy could come to Moscow if he wants talks. U.S. President Donald Trump said it "would be great" if the two leaders meet. Putin said last month he does not exclude a meeting in a third country but only when there is a deal to sign.

Putin said he has accepted compromise proposals from his summit with Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, and that they could serve as a basis for agreements. He added there is no need to suspend hostilities to start negotiations and that Moscow wants a comprehensive settlement, not a temporary truce.

Commenting on Russia's use of its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, Putin said it was fired at targets chosen to test its capability and precision. "We hit the area where it was convenient to see the results," he said. He noted it was important to test the weapon before using it against objectives closer to residential areas.

Putin said Ukraine controls about 15% of Donetsk region territory and that Russian troops are advancing along the entire line of contact.

He emphasized that patriotism and the will of the Russian people will ensure Moscow achieves its goals. Asked about an AP investigation tracking 191 incidents across Europe that Western officials attribute to a Russian campaign, Putin said there was no detailed proof of Moscow's involvement.

" he said. Putin, 73, was asked whether he plans to run for another term that would keep him in office until 2036. " In 2020, Putin ordered amendments to the Russian Constitution that reset his term limits. Putin said Russia's economy is growing but inflation remains a concern.