Putin Faces Growing Pressure Over Ukraine War as Attacks Intensify

Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing mounting pressure due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, as Kyiv's long-range drone and missile strikes increasingly target Russian territory, including oil refineries and fuel infrastructure. These attacks are not only disrupting critical supplies but also making the war's consequences palpable for ordinary Russian citizens.

Ukraine has significantly escalated its long-range attacks this year, deploying numerous drones and missiles capable of overwhelming Russia's air defense systems. Reports indicate that over half of Russia's regions, home to more than 70% of the country's population, have experienced air raid alerts. Russian military leaders acknowledge the growing difficulty in defending against these strikes.

The impact on Russia's energy sector is severe. According to the International Energy Agency, Russian oil refinery capacity dropped from 5.4 million barrels per day in June to 3.8 million barrels per day compared to the previous year. This has led to widespread fuel shortages, supply disruptions, and soaring gasoline prices across Russia. Long queues at gas stations and a burgeoning black market for fuel have become common, creating a politically sensitive issue for the Kremlin ahead of parliamentary elections.

Economically, Russia's growth has nearly stalled, prompting Putin to demand explanations and solutions from officials. While military production is expanding, many civilian industries are scaling back production and investments. The high cost of defense spending forces Russia's central bank to maintain high interest rates to combat inflation, further exacerbating labor shortages and limiting monetary policy flexibility.

Diplomatically, hopes for a peace settlement have dimmed. Following a meeting between Putin and then-U.S. President Donald Trump in August 2025, the Kremlin anticipated Trump might encourage Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make concessions. However, this did not materialize, and even top Russian foreign policy advisors now consider an agreement based on the "spirit of Anchorage" unlikely. Russia continues to assert battlefield gains in eastern Ukraine, a claim contested by Kyiv.