Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on the fourth anniversary of the conflict with Ukraine that Moscow remains undefeated strategically, despite what he called "sabotage, infrastructure strikes, and assassination attempts" by adversaries. Speaking on February 25, 2026, Putin warned that further escalation would lead to "regret" for those challenging Russia.
He raised concerns over potential attacks on Russian energy pipelines under the Black Sea, urging officials to bolster anti-terrorism protections for critical infrastructure. "We must act decisively to safeguard our national interests," Putin stated, signaling heightened security measures across public spaces and energy facilities.
Kyiv has repeatedly targeted Russian oil depots and refineries since 2022, though Ukrainian authorities have yet to respond to Putin’s latest remarks. Analysts suggest the speech underscores Russia’s focus on energy security amid prolonged tensions.
