Putin Vows to Intensify Ukraine War, Pledges Continued Support for Iran

Putin made the remarks after attending a two-day summit in Kyrgyzstan. He also said he was comfortable working with US President Donald Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, on efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

 

“We are completely comfortable working with people whom we know well and, generally speaking, trust,” Putin said.

 

He noted that Trump trusted both envoys and that they had direct access to the US president. “They are close to President Trump,” he said.

 

Putin was also asked about the recent visit to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who travelled to the Russian capital for talks with senior Russian officials and reportedly argued for an end to the Ukraine war.

 

Putin said direct communication between the heads of the two countries’ intelligence agencies had taken place even during the tense years of the Cold War. However, he said such contacts are currently “somewhat suspended.”

 

Putin made the comments during and after a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek, attended by representatives of the 10-member political and security grouping.

 

Putin’s appearance came as the war in Ukraine has entered an increasingly dangerous phase, with both sides stepping up aerial attacks against targets across each other’s territory.

 

In Bishkek, Putin defended Russia’s intensified military campaign, saying he had ordered Russian forces to launch large-scale attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

 

He also claimed that Russian strikes were disrupting Ukraine’s agricultural exports and putting the country at risk of a financial crisis.

 

“I am not saying that we will bring down their economy. But this is a serious challenge for them,” Putin said.

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that civilian aviation in Russia would not remain safe because of Ukrainian drone attacks. Asked about the statement, Putin described it as “state terrorism.”

 

“I want to draw attention to the fact that they themselves want to resume negotiations with us and are requesting personal meetings,” Putin said. “Terrorists are not negotiated with.”

 

The intensifying war has also raised concerns that Russia could announce another round of military recruitment or compulsory mobilisation following parliamentary elections scheduled for later this month.

 

Putin dismissed such speculation as “nonsense.”

 

On Tuesday, on the sidelines of the SCO meeting, Putin held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and reiterated his support for the Iranian people’s “courage and determination” in defending the country’s national interests.

 

Russia has supported Iran since the United States and Israel launched attacks against the country in late February, according to the account provided by Iranian and Russian officials. Moscow has also provided Tehran with intelligence concerning US military installations and other developments in the Persian Gulf region, while Russian-made drone components have reportedly been transported to Iran through the Caspian Sea.

 

After several weeks of a ceasefire, the United States and Iran resumed attacks against each other this week.

 

During his meeting with Pezeshkian in Bishkek, Putin said Russia was trying to provide Iran with the assistance it needed during the difficult period.

 

“We are trying to provide you with the assistance you need during this difficult time,” Putin told the Iranian president. “We have discussed this with you, and we are also supplying the necessary goods.”

 

Asked about his remarks in Bishkek, Putin recalled Soviet-era rhetoric that portrayed Western countries as the “sharks of imperialism.”

 

“If someone wants to push us down the food chain, wants to swallow us or devour us, they can get a crushing response,” Putin said.

 

He added that although the “appetite and teeth” of such sharks were growing rapidly, Russia was prepared to respond.