Putin’s cracks showing as he’s ready for peace after Ukrainian strikes | World | News

On Tuesday, the Russian despot called the Ukrainian attacks a ploy to “destabilize society.” Mr. Putin said: “However, Russia, as has been repeatedly stated, is ready for peace negotiations with Ukraine. It is ready to move forward on the basis of the agreements reached in Istanbul, I would like to remind you that these agreements were initiated by the Ukrainian delegation at that time.

“That means they’re happy with them. And I see no reason why we should walk away from those agreements.”

He added: “Attacks on civilian infrastructure, what are they aimed at? To destabilize society in the midst of such a massive attack, to create a sense of uncertainty about the actions of the Russian armed forces, when the whole West is working for them and these drones are coming in large numbers.”

Russia regularly targeted Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure during the war, particularly its energy system last winter.

Restrictions on fuel sales are being imposed in various regions of Russia due to rising prices and long queues at gas stations.

On Wednesday, Interfax news agency reported – citing the Russian government – that Russian deputy prime minister Alexander Novak had ordered that fuel deliveries be prioritized to regions where logistics depend on seasonal factors.

This was the second time the refinery was hit in as many days, and Reuters news agency reported, citing sources, that the refinery would be offline for at least six months after sustaining significant damage.

The Ukrainian military said it hit a natural gas processing plant and two important satellite communications facilities overnight in its latest night attacks against Russia.

The air campaign targeting Ukraine’s energy facilities and military industries has intensified as Kiev produces bigger and better long-range weapons to repel Russia’s full-scale invasion.