Putin Acknowledges Fuel Shortages After Ukrainian Strikes on Energy Infrastructure

Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that the country is experiencing "a certain shortage" of fuel, attributing the issue to repeated Ukrainian strikes on its energy infrastructure. In an interview published by the Kremlin on Sunday, Putin conceded that these attacks create problems but emphasized that the situation is "not critical."

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As for strikes against critical infrastructure in general, and energy infrastructure in particular, of course these attacks on our infrastructure facilities create problems, that's obvious. Right now we're observing a certain shortage, but it's not critical.

Putin outlined Russia's response, stating that the primary tasks are to enhance the country's anti-aircraft defense capabilities and ensure fuel supplies, especially to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The announcement comes after authorities in Crimea declared an "emergency situation" due to fuel shortages and power outages resulting from Ukrainian attacks on logistical chains and oil facilities.

Despite the acknowledged challenges, Putin vowed to ensure security and overcome difficulties, even as Ukraine intensifies its retaliatory strikes within Russia. Speaking to members of the United Russia party, he stated, "We are responding... we will certainly ensure the security of both the country and our citizens, as well as the inviolability of Russia's borders." He expressed confidence that Russia would overcome all challenges, including "terrorist attacks on our territory and infrastructure facilities."

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Yes, we see the problems, we are aware of them and are responding to them, but we will certainly ensure the security of both the country and our citizens, as well as the inviolability of Russia's borders. We will undoubtedly overcome all the challenges facing us today, including terrorist attacks on our territory and infrastructure facilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy framed the strikes as "fair retribution" for Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure. He highlighted successful Ukrainian operations, including drone strikes that hit the Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region and another refinery in the Yaroslavl region, both located hundreds of kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Zelenskyy stated that these actions are part of efforts to "weaken Russia's ability to wage this war."

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The Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region was hit - about 300km from the frontline. We also reached a refinery in the Yaroslavl region, approximately 700km from our border. This is part of the operations that weaken Russia's ability to wage this war.