Sweeping laws to strengthen its internal defense, against Ukrainian attacks, have been enacted, while operations with unmanned aircraft continue and those that cause widespread sabotage on behalf of Kiev.
These legislative initiatives seem to reflect the Kremlin’s expectation of a protracted war with the , although recent reports speak of
The Ukrainian attacks and the blows inside Russia
Nearly four years after the start of his declared war on Ukraine — a full-scale invasion that was initially expected to last only a few weeks — Russia has been targeted almost daily by Ukrainian drones striking energy facilities, while Ukrainian agents have assassinated a number of high-ranking Russian military officials deep inside the country.
These deep-striking Ukrainian attacks have forced Moscow to confront vulnerabilities it once thought lay far from the battlefield.
To boost protection of critical infrastructure, the Russian president earlier this month signed a decree authorizing the deployment of reservists to guard key facilities, including refineries that have been repeatedly hit by Ukrainian drones and helped drive up domestic fuel prices.
The measure allows the Kremlin to call up a group of about 2 million people, according to lawmakers, to guard energy facilities without declaring new conscription, a measure that has already proven extremely unpopular. These reservists undergo annual military training and receive a monthly payment for remaining in active reserve, but have so far been spared combat in Ukraine unless they volunteer.
The air defense system around Putin’s residence
Russian authorities have also deployed a dense network of air defense systems around Putin’s isolated residence in Valdai, as well as around the elite neighborhood of Rublyovka, where many members of the political ruling class live.
However, they find it difficult to adequately defend the hundreds of oil refineries scattered across the country, as well as other industrial plants connected to the war effort.
Along with strengthening the physical protection of key sites, Russian authorities are introducing new regulations designed to electronically disrupt the flight of Ukrainian drones. From November 10, mobile phone users returning from abroad find their connections automatically blocked for 24 hours. The SIM card’s so-called “waiting period” aims to prevent drones from tapping civilian mobile phone networks to transmit telemetry, video or control signals – a tactic Kiev forces have used in previous operations.
The restriction has caused confusion and chaos among Russians returning from abroad, while residents of the Pskov region, on the border with Latvia and Estonia, have also complained that their connection was accidentally frozen under the new security rules.
The changes reflect Russia’s growing concern about Ukraine’s ability to strike deep inside its territory with drones — a concern that is likely to intensify as Kiev prepares to deploy its own long-range, domestically produced missiles. Taken together, the new laws also represent a new level of state intervention in the daily lives of ordinary Russians, as the Kremlin tightens control and pushes for deeper mobilization of its citizens.
Russia denies 28-point peace plan for Ukraine
that Washington and Moscow are secretly working together to draw up a new plan to end the war in Ukraine, and said there has been no update on potential peace proposals since Presidents Putin-Trump’s August summit in Alaska.
“We have nothing new to share with you on this matter,” Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a press briefing attended by AFP.
The Ankara talks
At the same time, he discussed in Ankara with President Erdogan the current developments in the Russian-Ukrainian war as well as initiatives to achieve a ceasefire and a lasting solution. The Turkish media characterize the visit as crucial as all eyes, they say, will be on Ankara for a hope of peace in the almost four-year war.
Today’s one-on-one meeting will be the third this year between Erdogan and Zelensky, and the two leaders will discuss possible steps to revive the negotiation process in Istanbul. The issue of prisoner exchange with Russia will also be discussed and all aspects of their strategic partnership will be examined. But today’s meeting at the presidential complex in Ankara will take place without the participation of the Russians.
Witkoff was also present at the talks
The important element in today’s talks will be the presence of US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who will participate in the talks between Zelenskiy and Erdogan. It is believed that the main goal of the Ukrainian side is to re-engage the Americans in the peace efforts and bring the Russian side back to the negotiating table.
However, although Zelensky and the American side appear keen on a new round of negotiations with Russia, Russia itself is downplaying the issue, saying it will not send a representative to Turkey today. “For now, these contacts are taking place without Russian participation. We will wait for information about what will be discussed in Istanbul,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The joint Erdogan-Zelensky press conference after the talks is expected to provide some answers about the plans of Kiev, Ankara and the Americans to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian war.
