MOSCOW, August 22. /TASS/. Ukraine’s attempt to defeat Russia in 40 days by carrying out massive drone and missile attacks is a risky and provocative move, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Vesti journalist Pavel Zarubin in an interview.

"If we speak about what is happening now, then it is, of course, a result of a yet another provocative and risky move by the Kiev regime and its Western curators, who aimed to deal another strategic defeat to Russia," he said. "This time, as it is known, they wanted to achieve this in 40 days, and with the help of massive missile and drone attacks on our civilian sites and logistical routes."

The president said the 40-day deadline expired on August 5.

He admitted that the strikes are causing certain economic damage and losses.

"But still, the final result was directly opposite to what the enemy was expecting," he added.