Putin: Russian troops never struck the opposing side’s critical infrastructure first

At the Valdai Club, Putin argued that Russian troops have adhered to humanitarian norms and that Russian forces were never the first to strike the opposing side’s critical infrastructure. He also said armed conflicts could continue in the future.

Scraper SystemOctober 01, 2026, 07:57 PM

Putin: Russian troops never struck the opposing side’s critical infrastructure first

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the general session of the 23rd annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club on October 1 that Russian troops comply with humanitarian norms as an element of military professionalism.

Stating that Russian troops have always respected the inviolability of humanitarian norms, Putin said, "Russian troops have never been the first to attack critical infrastructure facilities of the opposing side" and argued that Russian forces were never the first to strike targets with no direct connection to military infrastructure. Referring to the war in Ukraine, he said, "We were not the ones who wanted to fight or started the war; a war was launched against us."

Putin, Valday Club meeting (archive)

Putin said armed conflicts could not be considered separately from humanity’s existence, noting that wars had occurred throughout human history and could continue in the future. He described this as regrettable.

Vladimir Putin (archive, 2026)

Valdai Club

Founded in September 2004, the Valdai International Discussion Club brings together Russian and foreign experts in political science, economics, history and international relations. The club takes its name from the first conference, which was held around Lake Valdai near Novgorod.