‘Be prepared for anything’: Putin warns Russians as he refuses to rule out strikes on NATO targets

President Vladimir Putin has reportedly issued a stern warning to the Russian public, telling them they must be prepared for anything after acknowledging a significant lapse in the Kremlin’s strategic planning. This admission, delivered at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, marks a shift in how the Russian leadership views the ongoing conflict. 

As reported by the Lad Bible, Putin reportedly admitted that his government incorrectly assumed Ukraine lacked the capability to strike oil refineries located deep within Russian territory. He noted that they initially believed these were purely civilian facilities that would remain off-limits even during an armed conflict.

The reality on the ground has proven quite different, as Ukrainian drone strikes have reportedly caused disruptive damage to key energy infrastructure. These attacks have led to fuel shortages and long queues for drivers across the country. 

He says he will prevent future attacks on facilities 

Addressing the situation, Putin stated, ‘Only our readiness for anything will give everyone who wants to harm us an understanding that it is better not to do so’. He also claimed that Russia would take necessary military actions to ensure that these facilities are not targeted again.

This rhetoric is intensifying as the conflict expands into broader threats against Western nations. During an interview with the state broadcaster Russian Today, Putin reportedly refused to rule out direct strikes against British industrial or military sites. When pressed on whether such locations could become targets, he responded, ‘That’s a secret, a military secret.’ 

He further clarified that British forces operating within Ukrainian territory could be legitimately attacked. This stance has reportedly been echoed by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who indicated that strikes could be authorized against British military installations and equipment located both in Ukraine and beyond its borders.

The situation remains highly volatile as reports circulate regarding military aid and production capabilities. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reportedly provided Ukraine with plans for Storm Shadow long-range missiles. Simultaneously, concerns are mounting among NATO leaders regarding a surge in hybrid warfare, which includes increased instances of sabotage and cyberattacks directed at Western nations.

New information has also surfaced regarding Russia’s manufacturing capacity for drones. Satellite images from Copernicus, as reported by the news outlet Bild, reportedly reveal a large and secretive drone factory situated in the Alabuga Economic Zone. 

The facility is believed to be producing variants of Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones. According to estimates from the US think tank CSIS, this 1,000 hectare site reportedly has the potential to produce as many as 5,500 Geran variant drones every month.