MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that Ukraine’s sustained attacks on Russian energy infrastructure have caused fuel shortages, admitting that the country is experiencing “a certain shortage” as Kyiv intensifies long-range strikes deep inside Russian territory.
In an interview published by the Kremlin on Sunday, Putin said the attacks had disrupted fuel supplies but insisted the situation was not critical.
“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,” Putin said.
“Right now we’re observing a certain shortage, but it’s not critical.”
Russia Moves to Protect Fuel Supplies
Putin said Russia’s immediate priorities were strengthening air defence capabilities and ensuring stable fuel supplies, particularly to the Crimean Peninsula.
Authorities in Russian-annexed Crimea declared a state of emergency on Friday after Ukrainian attacks on logistics routes and oil facilities triggered fuel shortages and power outages.
Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, a move rejected by most countries and widely regarded as illegal under international law.
Putin Vows to Overcome Challenges
Addressing the congress of the ruling United Russia party earlier on Sunday, Putin pledged to bolster national security and counter what he described as “terrorist attacks” on Russian territory.
“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,” he said.
“We will undoubtedly overcome all the challenges facing us today.”
Ukraine Steps Up Deep Strikes
The remarks came after a Ukrainian drone strike killed one person and ignited a fire at an oil refinery in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region, according to regional authorities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attacks were aimed at weakening Russia’s ability to sustain its military campaign.
“The Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region was hit — about 300 kilometres from the frontline. We also reached a refinery in the Yaroslavl region, approximately 700 kilometres from our border,” Zelensky wrote on X.
Last week, another Ukrainian strike sparked a major fire at an oil refinery southeast of Moscow, sending thick black smoke over parts of the Russian capital’s outskirts.
