Russian president acknowledges for the first time that Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure are affecting domestic fuel supplies, with rationing spreading across regions.
8:43 PM
President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that Russia is facing fuel shortages as Ukraine intensifies its long-range drone campaign, with repeated strikes on oil refineries forcing multiple regions to introduce petrol rationing.
Speaking to Russian state television late on Sunday, Putin admitted for the first time that Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure were affecting domestic fuel supplies. "Of course, they create problems, that's obvious," he said during remarks at the Kremlin. "Right now we're observing a certain shortage."
The Russian president characterized the situation as not "critical," though he acknowledged ongoing difficulties. "You're well aware that problems persist for both motorists and businesses," Putin told a meeting with senior officials and oil executives over the weekend. "Unfortunately, there are still queues at petrol stations."
Ukraine's campaign has targeted energy infrastructure across Russia, from Moscow to the Black Sea region and beyond. The strikes have set oil refineries ablaze and prompted unprecedented fuel rationing measures in several areas. In Crimea, the Russia-annexed Ukrainian peninsula, drivers have been banned from filling their tanks so that priority can be given to military vehicles.
The impact of the drone and missile strikes on Russian energy infrastructure has been visible for some time through widespread queues at petrol stations and fuel rationing across the country. Putin's public acknowledgment marks a significant shift, as Russian officials have previously downplayed or avoided discussing the extent of the fuel crisis.
Ukraine launched a "Logistics Lockdown" program targeting Russian supply routes, while Russia appears to be laying groundwork to use Belarusian territory for strikes.
Ukrainian drones hit Primorsk, Russia's largest Baltic oil export facility, and two alleged sanctions-violating tankers in overnight strikes Sunday.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says Russia launched more than 200 attack drones overnight, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure across multiple regions.
The International Energy Agency warns Europe has limited jet fuel supplies as Middle East conflict disrupts oil shipments, threatening summer travel.
Overnight strikes on Kiev, Dnipro, Kharkiv and other cities involved 656 drones and 73 missiles, with 33 drones and missiles penetrating defenses.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov told Secretary of State Rubio that Moscow will continue systematic strikes on Ukrainian capital facilities.
