Putin says Russia “will intensify” attacks on Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on January 1st that Moscow will intensify attacks on military targets in Ukraine, following an unprecedented Ukrainian attack conducted over the weekend in the Russian town of Belgorod.

Saturday's attack on Belgorod left 24 people dead, and 100 others were injured. This attack came after Moscow carried out a large - scale attack on Ukrainian cities.

We'll intensify the attacks. No crime against civilians will go unpunished, it is safe”, Putin said Monday during a visit to a military hospital.

He said Russia would continue to crack down on what the Russian president called “military selection”.

“We are doing this today, we will do it tomorrow and we will continue to do so”, Putin said, as Ukraine's unprotested Russian invasion almost entered the second year.

Putin's statements came the day Ukraine reported a record “record” of Russian attacks with fears. Ukraine reported 90 drone attacks at night.

The Russian leader also said he believes that <x0 strategic strategy” in the conflict in Ukraine is on Russia's side.

“That's how they informed me”, he said.

Putin also claimed Moscow wants to end conflict “as soon as possible”, but “alone according to our criteria”, the report state news agency TASS.

He reiterated that Ukraine is being used by the West “to solve problems” the West has with Russia.