During a media session at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will enhance its air defenses to address the increasing effectiveness of Ukrainian drone strikes, which have reached as far as St. Petersburg. He acknowledged that some drone attacks have successfully penetrated Russian airspace, prompting the need for improvements in defense capabilities. Putin also expressed a willingness to negotiate a compromise regarding Ukraine but rejected the idea of EU countries acting as mediators, questioning their neutrality. He stressed the importance of trusted third-party mediators in any potential peace talks. Furthermore, Putin reiterated Russia's military objectives, particularly the aim to secure full control over the Donetsk region, while downplaying concerns about the Russian economy, which he claimed is growing despite facing inflation challenges. The recent drone strikes have highlighted vulnerabilities within Russia, affecting daily life and prompting increased security measures.