Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a rare public acknowledgment of fuel shortages impacting motorists and businesses across the country, citing Ukrainian missile and drone strikes on energy infrastructure.
In recent remarks to officials and oil executives, Putin stated, "You're well aware that problems persist for both motorists and businesses. Unfortunately, there are still queues at petrol stations, and finding the right grade of petrol isn't always easy." He also noted the difficulties faced by the agricultural sector, where the harvest "depended on" the fuel supply schedule being met. According to independent Russian outlet Mediazona, fuel restrictions are in place in 56 Russian regions.
During an interview with Russian state television, Putin was more explicit, admitting that Ukraine's attacks were "obviously creating problems" and that "we are currently seeing a certain shortage," though he characterized it as "not critical."
Putin pledged to increase the production of air defense systems to protect Russian energy facilities and to expedite repairs to damaged refineries. He specifically addressed the situation in Crimea, acknowledging that the annexed Ukrainian peninsula had only "a few days' supply" left but expressed confidence that more fuel would be delivered.
The admission marks an unusual level of openness from Putin regarding the impact of Ukrainian strikes on the Russian populace and economy. The scale of the shortages and resulting public awareness likely necessitated the acknowledgment, despite his insistence that Russia's war effort was progressing. The situation in Crimea is particularly significant given its strategic importance to Russia since its annexation in 2014.
Putin suggested that Ukraine's strikes were an attempt to sow division within Russian society, weaken support for the war, and pressure Russia into negotiations. "We won't give them that chance," he stated, asserting that Ukraine's long-range strikes were having "absolutely no impact on the situation at the front line."
Kyiv, however, challenges this assessment, arguing that its strikes aim to bring the war home to Russians and compel Moscow to divert resources from the front lines. Ukraine has reportedly grown more confident in recent months, conducting deep strikes within Russia, increasing attacks on Crimea, and targeting front-line positions.
The Kremlin, through spokesman Dmitry Peskov, reiterated Russia's objective to force Ukrainian forces out of four southeastern regions claimed by Moscow. Putin also claimed Ukraine had offered to limit hostilities and begin talks, which he dismissed as a tactic to buy time for regrouping and rearming. He described Ukraine's strikes as an attempt to "save" its army, which he characterized as "catastrophically" depleted, adding that "saving the Kyiv regime is not part of our plans."