Putin Says Russia Is Fighting the Entire Collective West in Ukraine Conflict

Jun 13, 2026 at 08:16 AM

|

Lanka Leader

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that Russia is effectively fighting alone against the entire “collective West” in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, describing the confrontation as a highly technological struggle involving extensive Western support for Kiev.

Speaking at a meeting with Russian service members at the Kremlin on Friday, coinciding with Russia Day celebrations, Putin said the conflict had evolved into an “exceedingly high-tech” confrontation and accused NATO countries of intensifying efforts against Russia.

“Russia is standing against the so-called Collective West single-handedly,” Putin said, arguing that Western nations are doing everything possible to coordinate actions against Moscow.

Russia Day marks the anniversary of the country's declaration of sovereignty on June 12, 1990, a key milestone in the formation of the modern Russian state following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Putin reiterated Moscow’s position that Russia did not initiate the conflict in Ukraine. Drawing historical parallels, he noted that European powers had united against Russia during both French invasion of Russia and World War II.

According to the Russian leader, Western governments are seeking to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia, but he insisted such an objective is unattainable.

“The enemy is expanding the use of kamikaze drones, trying to strike at our morale, trying to break up Russian society and cause economic damage,” Putin said. “They will not succeed.”

The Russian president stated that Moscow is continuing to strengthen its air-defense capabilities in response to increasing drone attacks. He also said Russia would continue conducting strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure as a means of deterring attacks on civilian targets.

In recent months, Ukrainian forces have reportedly increased drone operations targeting Russia’s border regions, logistics networks, and energy facilities. Russian officials say the attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure.

Local authorities in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast and Belgorod Oblast regions reported that Ukrainian strikes on Thursday killed at least four civilians and injured 20 others.

The latest remarks from Putin come amid continued fighting along multiple fronts and ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations over military aid and support provided to Ukraine.