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Putin says Ukrainian attacks cause damage but no 'critical consequences'

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a signing ceremony following his talks with Myanmar President at the Grand Kremlin Palace, in Moscow on August 18, 2026. (AFP Photo)
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Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a signing ceremony following his talks with Myanmar President at the Grand Kremlin Palace, in Moscow on August 18, 2026. (AFP Photo)
August 19, 2026 04:53 PM GMT+03:00

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure had caused damage but had not resulted in any “critical consequences.”

Speaking at a meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects in Moscow, Putin ordered the government to develop a program to restore damaged infrastructure at what he called a “qualitatively new” level.

“There are no critical consequences from such attacks, there have not been and cannot be. But they certainly cause us harm; that is obvious, and we understand, see and know this,” Putin said.

A Wildberries emloyee looks at a plume of smoke rising during a fire at Russian e-commerce firm Wildberries' logistics complex near the town of Podolsk, outside Moscow on August 16, 2026. (AFP Photo)
A Wildberries emloyee looks at a plume of smoke rising during a fire at Russian e-commerce firm Wildberries' logistics complex near the town of Podolsk, outside Moscow on August 16, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Putin says Russian economy still growing

Putin also said Russia’s economic growth remained modest but positive.

He said gross domestic product increased by about 1% overall, with growth of 0.6% in the first half of the year and 1.3% in the second quarter.

Putin attributed the pace of economic growth to several factors, including external pressure and Ukrainian attacks on industrial and infrastructure facilities.

He called for strengthening Russia’s sovereignty and improving efficiency in defense and security, as well as in the socioeconomic sphere.

Russian e-commerce company Wildberries has reported damage to several of its logistics facilities in the Moscow region following Ukrainian drone attacks in recent weeks.

The company said it was able to redirect deliveries and shipments to other facilities after evacuating employees from affected sites.

August 19, 2026 05:00 PM GMT+03:00
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