Putin Says Ukraine Opened ‘Pandora's Box’ With Strikes on Economic Targets

By Reuters Aug. 23, 2026 President Vladimir Putin said Kyiv had opened “Pandora's box” with strikes on Russian economic targets and threatened to hit back at Ukraine's “most sensitive economic sectors.” Kremlin.ru Russian President Vladimir Putin said in comments published on Saturday that Kyiv had opened “Pandora's box” with its strikes on Russian economic targets, saying that Russia would hit back at Ukraine's “most sensitive economic sectors.” Ukraine has this summer escalated a campaign of drone strikes targeting Russian economic infrastructure, including oil refineries and online retailers' warehouses, seeking to destroy infrastructure it says is central to Russia's war effort. Russia has responded with strikes against Ukrainian economic infrastructure, including Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea. “The Kyiv regime set out to damage our economy. What did it do? It opened this Pandora’s box itself. Well then, expect a response targeting your most sensitive economic sectors,” Putin said in comments to a Russian state television journalist. He said that the strikes, which have jeopardized Ukraine's agricultural exports, would not cause global food shortages, because Russia would be able to replace Ukrainian exports, even as Kyiv has targeted Russian grain export infrastructure. “We do face challenges regarding the shipment of our goods, but we will resolve these issues. Consequently, there will be no shortage on the global market,” Putin said. Russia and Ukraine had previously adhered to a Turkish-brokered deal to protect grain exports on the Black Sea. But Russia exited the deal in 2023. The Russian leader also restated his position that Moscow is open to peace talks, but only on the basis of “realities on the ground,” rather than what he called “exotic” proposals that he said had been made by Ukraine via intermediaries. Read more about: Putin , Ukraine war Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Putin, Zelensky Discuss Ukraine and Iran Wars With Trump Shortly after Zelensky announced his call with Trump, the Kremlin said Putin and his U.S. counterpart had held a 'friendly and frank' phone call. 2 Min read Putin Says Russia and Ukraine Nowhere Close on Peace Terms But the president said that, despite the “absolutely contradictory” peace proposals, direct talks could help bring each side’s positions closer. 2 Min read Putin Shrugs Off NATO Spending Plans, Says Russia’s Advance in Ukraine ‘Will Continue’ The president admitted that increased NATO spending could pose “specific” challenges but vowed Russia “will counter all threats that arise.” 2 Min read Xi Seeks Tighter Cooperation With Russia at Kremlin Talks The summit between the Russian president and the Chinese leader comes as China seeks to portray itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict. 4 Min read