Fistfights and heated arguments have broken out at gas stations across Russia as President Vladimir Putin has admitted the country is experiencing fuel shortages. The shortages and ensuing public disorder are attributed to repeated Ukrainian strikes targeting Russia's energy infrastructure.
Footage circulating online depicts scenes of desperation, including two women in Moscow shouting at each other over a perceived queue-jumping incident, and two men fighting outside a petrol station in Ryazan. Another video from Serov shows a woman with a bloodied nose following a dispute over fuel.
Putin acknowledged the country's difficulties in an interview published Sunday, stating, "Right now we're observing a certain shortage, but it's not critical." He linked these issues to "attacks on critical infrastructure in general, and energy infrastructure in particular," noting that such attacks "create problems, that's obvious."
The situation has prompted authorities in Russian-annexed Crimea to declare an "emergency situation" due to fuel shortages and power cuts. Crimean Governor Sergey Aksyonov announced on Friday that decrees were signed to declare a regional-level emergency to ensure the stable operation of all sectors.
These developments follow a series of Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russia. On Sunday, a drone strike in the Krasnodar region reportedly killed one person and ignited a fire at a refinery. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has framed these attacks as necessary measures to weaken Russia's war capabilities, mentioning strikes on refineries in both Krasnodar and Yaroslavl regions. Last week, a major fire also occurred at a refinery southeast of Moscow.
In response to the escalating Ukrainian strikes, Putin vowed to ensure the security of the country and its citizens, stating, "We will undoubtedly overcome all the challenges facing us today, including terrorist attacks on our territory and infrastructure facilities." He emphasized the need to increase Russian anti-aircraft defense capacity and secure fuel supplies, particularly for Crimea.
Kyiv views these strikes as retaliation for Russia's consistent attacks on Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure since the February 2022 invasion.
Putin also commented on the possibility of peace talks, indicating that he anticipates U.S. negotiators visiting Moscow after current events in the Middle East and Iran conclude. "We are ready to continue negotiations and discuss all the details," he stated, referencing past meetings with U.S. administration representatives.
Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone campaign, targeting oil production and energy facilities behind front lines and within Russia. Western officials and analysts suggest this strategy aims to disrupt Russian fuel and military supplies, thereby hindering Moscow's battlefield efforts and increasing pressure on the Kremlin.