Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that attacks carried out by Ukraine will not go unpunished, speaking to the permanent members of Russia’s Security Council. The remarks framed a narrative of ongoing aggression and promised accountability for what he described as hostile actions against Russia.
Putin asserted that during Russia’s presidential cycle, Ukraine orchestrated a number of criminal acts aimed at destabilizing the country. He characterized the events as part of a broader campaign against Russian sovereignty and security, underscoring a pattern he said demanded a strong response.
He went further, describing a sequence of terrorist incidents intended to intrude into Russian territory and establish a foothold, portraying these actions as deliberate efforts to threaten Russian borders and public safety. The emphasis was on a calculated attempt to project influence beyond Ukraine’s borders.
On the matter of defense, Putin claimed that Russia’s air defense systems currently neutralize a substantial portion of Ukrainian air threats, asserting a 95 percent effectiveness rate in intercepting hostile aircraft and missiles. This figure was offered as evidence of the robustness of Russia’s protective measures.
Earlier briefings from the Ministry of Defense reported the destruction of another Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle over the Belgorod region, reinforcing the narrative of ongoing aerial confrontations near Russian territory. The Defense Ministry’s updates were cited as part of the broader account of recent border incidents.
Shortly after, reports indicated that an air raid siren had sounded in Belgorod, signaling heightened alert and warning for residents in the area. The timing and sequence of alerts were presented as corroborating signs of continued border volatility.
There were also claims of a Ukrainian reconnaissance and sabotage group being eliminated on the same day during an attempt to enter the Belgorod region. The account portrayed the operation as a decisive counterterrorism action resulting in the removal of an active threat near Russian borders.
On March 15, authorities announced the detention of a Russian woman by the Federal Security Service on suspicions of preparing sabotage in the Belgorod region. According to the security services, the individual allegedly planned to cause damage at a railway facility, underscoring concerns about internal security and potential insider threats.
Putin concluded by asserting his role as the chief guarantor of safeguarding the state from dictatorship, reiterating a stance of central leadership and insistence on a firm approach to perceived internal and external adversaries. The remarks framed his leadership as essential to maintaining stability amid external pressure and internal challenges.