Putin Vows Escalated Attacks on Ukraine and Reinforces Backing for Iran at SCO Summit

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia concluded a two-day appearance at a summit in Kyrgyzstan with a defiant vow to intensify military operations against Ukraine and reaffirm his country’s backing for Iran amid its ongoing conflict with the United States.

During the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, Putin emphasized Russia’s willingness to cooperate with U.S. envoys close to President Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. This statement follows a rare visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow, where he reportedly urged Russian officials to seek an end to the war.

“We are fully confident in working with individuals we know well and generally trust,” Putin said, adding that the envoys maintain a direct line to the American president and operate under Trump’s confidence.

When questioned about Ratcliffe’s trip, Putin acknowledged that intelligence-level communication persists even during periods of tension, referencing historical precedents from the Cold War. He noted that current negotiations remain largely stalled.

Putin’s remarks come as the war in Ukraine has escalated into a more perilous phase, characterized by intensified aerial bombardments and attacks on critical infrastructure across both nations. Ukraine has targeted Russian energy facilities, naval assets, and logistics hubs using long-range weapons, inflicting significant damage on Russia’s economy and military readiness.

In retaliation, Russia has launched sweeping strikes with advanced drones, increased assaults on Kyiv, and threatened Ukraine’s grain export routes through the Black Sea. Putin declared that Russian forces have been authorized to carry out large-scale attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, asserting that such actions pose serious challenges to Kyiv’s economy and agricultural output.

“I am not claiming we will collapse their economy, but it represents a major blow,” Putin stated.

Addressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s warning that civilian flights would be unsafe due to Ukrainian drone capabilities, Putin dismissed the claim as “state terrorism.” He criticized Zelenskyy’s calls for dialogue and direct meetings, stating, “Negotiations are not held with terrorists.”

Amid growing speculation about a potential mobilization following parliamentary elections later this month, Putin firmly rejected the rumors, labeling them baseless.

Earlier in the day, Putin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and reiterated Russia’s solidarity with Tehran in defending what he described as its sovereign interests. Since the outbreak of hostilities involving Israel and the U.S. in late February, Moscow has supplied Iran with intelligence support and drone components transported via the Caspian Sea.

“We are doing everything possible to assist you during this challenging period,” Putin told Pezeshkian. “We have coordinated closely and are providing essential supplies.”

According to The New York Times, Ratcliffe’s visit aimed to convey a grim outlook on the trajectory of Russia’s campaign in Ukraine and encourage de-escalation. U.S. intelligence sources suggest that Putin may not be receiving accurate battlefield assessments from his subordinates.

In response, Putin asserted that Russia relies on multiple credible sources to form a comprehensive picture of the front lines. He claimed that Russian troops captured approximately 270 square kilometers of territory in Ukraine’s Donetsk region in August—figures significantly higher than independent analyses, which estimate closer to 26 square kilometers.

Prior to attending the summit, Putin participated in a gathering with educators and students in Russia, where he employed an unusual analogy comparing orcas preying on polar bears to justify the necessity of war with Ukraine.

Responding to questions about the metaphor in Bishkek, Putin invoked Cold War rhetoric, describing Western powers as “imperialist sharks.” He warned, “Anyone attempting to pull us beneath the surface, to consume or overpower us, may find themselves biting back. Russia stands ready to do so, regardless of the rising threat posed by these predators.”

Zane Irwin contributed reporting from New York.

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