Its readiness to participate in new peace negotiations with it, on the basis of the agreements and the structure of the talks in Istanbul, was expressed by , at a time when the Russian economy is facing increasing pressure from the Ukrainian energy infrastructure and the deterioration of conditions in the markets.
During a meeting with members of his government, the Russian president reiterated that Moscow remains open to settling the war through political means, arguing that the agreements drawn up in Istanbul had been accepted by the Ukrainian side at the time.
“Russia is ready for peace negotiations with Ukraine based on the agreements reached in Istanbul. I see no reason to deviate from these agreements,” he said.
Putin has accused Kiev of seeking to destabilize Russian society through attacks on civilian infrastructure, arguing among other things that Ukrainian attacks on political targets make the prospect of direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky particularly difficult.
Pressure from attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure
These statements come at a time when Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries, energy infrastructure and oil transport targets have significantly intensified. According to Russian sources, attacks have more than doubled since the beginning of 2026, causing fuel supply problems in many parts of the country.
Fuel sales restrictions have been imposed in several Russian regions, while the prices of gasoline and other petroleum products are rising, resulting in long queues at gas stations. For its part, Kiev has said the attacks are aimed at hitting a key source of funding for the Russian war machine and shifting the costs of the conflict inside Russia.
The developments have also affected the financial markets. The ruble fell above 75 rubles to the dollar, while Moscow’s main stock index hit its lowest level since March 2023. Analysts attributed the decline to both problems facing the energy sector and lower international oil prices, a lack of progress in diplomatic efforts to end the war and the central bank’s monetary policy.
The pressure was particularly intense on Gazprom, whose shares fell below 100 rubles for the first time since 2009. At the same time, other major Russian companies, such as Aeroflot, Alrosa and X5, also fell.
The government is trying to calm the concern
The Russian government is attempting to allay concerns. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said strategic fuel reserves were already being tapped, oil companies were operating at maximum production levels and refinery maintenance had been postponed to ensure market sufficiency. At the same time, the imposition of a temporary ban on diesel exports is even being considered.
Despite pressures on markets and difficulties in energy supplies, the Kremlin insists that the country’s macroeconomic stability remains assured and that the Russian economy has the means to deal with the challenges created by the war and its aftermath.
