Kremlin denies indiscriminate strikes, claims responses to Ukrainian attacks
What happened
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian forces do not conduct indiscriminate strikes across Ukraine, but rather respond selectively after Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure. Peskov characterized Ukraine's strikes on Russian territory as having opened what he called 'Pandora's box,' framing subsequent Russian operations as retaliatory measures rather than unprovoked attacks. The statement was reported via social media.
Context and assessment
The claim arrives as Ukrainian military operations continue targeting infrastructure within Russian borders, including reported strikes on military and energy facilities. On 13 September, Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted a precision strike killing a high-ranking Russian general in Moscow Region, an incident that may have prompted the Kremlin's defensive framing. Russian rhetoric increasingly emphasizes a reactive posture, contrasting with independent assessments of systematic Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian areas. The statement reflects Moscow's ongoing effort to characterize its military campaign as proportional and justified, a narrative consistent with earlier claims of precision targeting.
Sources and confidence
Report sourced from X account @ConflictTR, a single social media channel with no corroborating mainstream or independent confirmation. Confidence score reflects reliance on single-source reporting of a political statement rather than military event. Verification would improve with reports from Russian state media or international press coverage; any independent analysis contradicting the claim's substance would lower confidence.
Location
Statement issued from Moscow, Russia's capital and seat of the Kremlin administration, where official government communications originate. No specific operational location referenced; statement concerns claims about Russian military conduct across the broader Ukraine theatre.
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