Russian President Vladimir Putin called the December 30 attack on Belgorod a terrorist act and said that Russia would retaliate against Ukraine. During a meeting with wounded military personnel, Putin said that Ukraine had used MLRS in the attack, an “indiscriminate weapon.” “They used this weapon to strike at the city center. Just a targeted attack on the civilian population,” Putin said.
Putin added that he is “seething” with anger due to the attack. According to him, Russia is striking military targets in response.
“[Ukrainians] want to intimidate us and sow doubt within the country. We will increase our strikes. No crime against the civilian population will go unpunished,” Putin said.