“Ukraine will have to pay a price”: Peskov threatens with severe consequences

The Kremlin warned that Ukraine will face severe consequences for its military activities over the past few months. According to the Kyiv Post, presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov issued this threat during a recent press briefing. He stated, “This is also something the president has spoken about – Ukraine will have to pay a price for the actions that have taken place in recent months.”

Peskov did not specify which Ukrainian actions provoked this latest rhetorical escalation from the Russian government. However, Ukrainian forces heavily targeted major logistics warehouses and Russian oil refineries throughout 2026. These sustained domestic strikes forced Russia to begin importing automobile fuel to mitigate a growing national crisis.

The Kremlin spokesperson also declared that Russian military commanders possess the authority to strike any target they deem appropriate. This statement coincides with a severe escalation of Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure throughout September. Recent bombardments have systematically targeted passenger trains, educational institutions, and critical data centers across the country.

Escalating attacks on the capital and borders

Correspondents in the capital reported a series of unprecedented explosions in and around central Kyiv on Monday. A Russian drone directly struck a building belonging to the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The attack trapped local residents inside the burning structure just meters from a previously bombed junction.

The Russian military also expanded its targeting to include critical border infrastructure connecting Ukraine to neighboring nations. Fatal missile strikes recently hit international crossings located along the southern border with Moldova. Similar attacks forced authorities to shut down western crossings along the Polish border, forcing visiting foreign officials into bomb shelters.

Russian forces continue to systematically target digital infrastructure to disrupt communications and government operations. Missiles struck the Comsonova data center on Saturday morning following coordinated attacks against four other facilities earlier that week. Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi cautioned that the capital city is currently bracing for the worst possible scenario.

Stalled diplomacy and ongoing defense

The intensification of aerial bombardments reflects a broader breakdown in international diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict. Peskov recently ruled out any potential progress in peace negotiations mediated by the United States. The Russian government maintains its commitment to continuing the invasion until it achieves its overarching strategic objectives.

Ukrainian officials assert these strikes aim to terrorize the civilian population as the war continues. The deliberate targeting of gas stations and digital infrastructure directly impacts the daily survival of ordinary citizens. Allied nations continue to condemn these indiscriminate attacks as clear violations of international humanitarian law.

Despite the escalating threat, Ukrainian air defense units continue working to intercept incoming drones and missiles. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and utilize available bomb shelters during frequent air raid sirens. The government in Kyiv continues requesting additional air defense systems from its international partners to protect vulnerable urban centers.

This article is made and published by Lauge Risom Koch, who may have used AI in the preparation