During a Russian national holiday address, President Vladimir Putin condemned recent Ukrainian drone strikes as attempts to destabilize Russian society. He stated the attacks aim to sow discord, create confusion, and damage the Russian economy, but asserted these efforts would fail. Putin’s remarks followed a Ukrainian drone attack on a major Russian oil refinery over 1,000 kilometers from the front lines. While acknowledging economic damage from the strikes, Putin claimed a rapid recovery is underway. He also called for strengthening Russia’s air defense systems, a plea he has made multiple times this month, citing increased Ukrainian aerial assaults. Putin drew parallels between current Western nations and historical adversaries like Napoleon and Hitler, accusing them of territorial ambitions. He also revealed that 700,000 Russian soldiers are currently engaged in the conflict in Ukraine, and reiterated his rejection of direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.