Putin threatens to destroy all Ukrainian infrastructure by 2027

The Russian side views the current escalation as an appropriate response to previous actions by Kyiv, while simultaneously putting forward strict territorial demands. The Financial Times reports this, citing its sources.

Threats to the energy sector

According to information obtained by journalists, Russian President Vladimir Putin interprets the air strikes on Ukrainian facilities as an act of revenge for drone attacks on oil refineries and commercial warehouses within Russian territory. Furthermore, he accuses Ukraine of violating previous agreements on a ceasefire regime.

One of the publication's sources conveyed the position of the Russian leader, who stated: «Я знищу всю вашу інфраструктуру, доки ви не погодитеся. До наступного року в України не залишиться жодної інфраструктури. Усі мости, порти, залізниці, енергетична інфраструктура, електростанції... будуть знищені» (I will destroy all your infrastructure until you agree. By next year, Ukraine will have no infrastructure left. All bridges, ports, railways, energy infrastructure, power stations... will be destroyed).

Territorial demands and security guarantees

A separate item in the Kremlin's negotiating position is the demand to hand over the remaining territory of the eastern part of Donbas. This condition is viewed as a necessary prerequisite for a ceasefire.

According to another FT source, Putin expects further territorial concessions from Ukraine in exchange for any security guarantees that NATO countries might provide within a potential future agreement.

Prospects for the negotiation process

Two insiders involved in unofficial efforts to end the war expressed doubts that the talks in Abu Dhabi would lead to a substantial ceasefire. They note that Putin is focused on restoring his advantage through a brutal winter campaign of air strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

One of them added that the shift in focus from territorial issues to security guarantees is perceived by the Kremlin as a tool to drag out negotiations while Russia weakens Ukraine's military positions.