Liveblog Ukraine war: Putin threatens Kiev and speaks of the Pandora's box

Liveblog: Putin warns Kyiv over attacks on Russian infrastructure, calls them ‘Pandora’s box’ Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Kyiv on Saturday that his country would respond strongly to Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil refineries and logistics hubs, calling the attacks “Pandora’s box.” Speaking during his first televised interview since the recent assaults, Putin accused Kyiv of unleashing “the spirit from the bottle,” implying that the attacks had triggered a dangerous escalation. He claimed the Ukrainian actions had provoked Russia’s retaliation, which he said would become “clearly felt” and “destructive.” During his visit to Kyiv, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was attacked with ballistic missiles from Russia, targeting the suburb of Boryspil, located just 30 kilometers east of the capital. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, at least three rockets were used in the strike. The attack came amid heightened tensions as Wadephul met with Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha. A state of emergency was declared in Kyiv following the missile barrage, with air raid sirens sounding across the city. In response to the escalating conflict, Wadephul condemned Russian efforts to intimidate German media, accusing Moscow of using disinformation and sabotage to divide European unity. “Russia’s war on Ukraine is the greatest threat to European security,” he stated, emphasizing that the conflict affects all nations. He reiterated Germany’s commitment to supporting Kyiv, saying such efforts would make the alliance more determined than ever to stand firm. “These attempts at division only make us more resolute in our support for Ukraine,” he added. Meanwhile, Russian authorities have issued a warrant for Michael Martens, a correspondent for Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), citing a criminal investigation under Article 282 of the Russian Criminal Code. This law penalizes incitement to hatred or hostility in mass media with up to six years in prison. Martens, who previously asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference in Belgrade whether Europeans could help kill more Russian soldiers, faced backlash after the question was deemed misleading. FAZ apologized for the phrasing, stating it did not align with the newspaper’s editorial stance. The situation surrounding Martens has sparked conflicting reports. While the Russian state news agency TASS confirmed the warrant, it denied that an international arrest order had been issued. The status of such an order remains unclear, with further decisions pending. FAZ described the move as an attempt to intimidate journalists and suppress independent reporting, urging resistance against such tactics. Separately, Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted additional online retailers, expanding the scope of attacks beyond traditional military targets. These strikes reflect the evolving nature of the conflict, with cyber and economic warfare becoming increasingly intertwined with conventional combat operations. The pattern suggests a broader strategy aimed at disrupting Russian supply chains and morale, though the exact scale and impact remain under assessment. As the war continues to unfold, both sides face mounting pressure to clarify their positions while managing internal political dynamics. With new developments emerging daily, the situation remains fluid, requiring ongoing monitoring and analysis.