Russia will respond to Ukrainian attacks on Russian airfields whenever and however its military deems appropriate, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, confirming that Russian President Vladimir Putin told his US counterpart Donald Trump that Moscow was obliged to retaliate, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
Ukraine has used drones to strike Russian strategic bombers at air bases in Siberia and the Far North. Russia has also accused Ukraine of blowing up railway bridges in the Kursk and Bryansk regions on May 31 and June 1. Seven people were killed in the blasts.
Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the attacks, which Peskov described as "state-level terrorism".
The Kremlin spokesman said that during their phone call yesterday, Putin and Trump did not discuss holding a personal meeting. Peskov said there was a common understanding that such a meeting was necessary, but it must be prepared in an appropriate manner.
The two leaders also did not discuss the possible lifting of sanctions against Russia, Peskov said in response to a journalistic question.
The Kremlin spokesman noted that in view of the partnership between Moscow and Tehran, Putin had told Trump that Russia was ready to "facilitate and contribute" to negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program.