Ukraine strikes St. Petersburg with Putin present

President Vladimir Putin vowed Thursday to bolster Russia’s air defenses after a wave of Ukrainian drones struck deep inside the nation, disrupting the atmosphere around a flagship economic forum in his home city of St. Petersburg. Hours before the event opened, Ukrainian drones hit an oil terminal and a naval base in the city, sending up thick columns of smoke that overshadowed the forum. In remarks to international media executives, Putin conceded that the attacks had caused damage and said, “Russia has an air defense system: We need to improve it, strengthen it, and we will do that.” Putin added that Russia would defeat Ukraine militarily if needed, but that his nation is also “willing to reach an agreement with Ukraine through peaceful means.” We should not expect this biblically prophesied warlord to sheathe his sword. Prophecy shows him to be an aggressor who remains fixated on conquest and will cause far larger conflicts ahead.