Russia is facing fuel shortages caused by repeated Ukrainian strikes on its energy infrastructure, President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged, while insisting the situation remains under control.
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In an interview published by the Kremlin on Sunday, Putin said attacks on Russian energy facilities had created "a certain shortage" of fuel, describing the impact as "obvious" but not severe.
Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries, fuel depots and logistics networks, saying the attacks are a response to Russia's continued bombardment of Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure since launching its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Fuel supply challenges
Speaking about the attacks, Putin said strikes on critical infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, had disrupted supplies.
"Right now we're observing a certain shortage, but it's not critical," he said.
Putin added that Russia's immediate priorities were to strengthen air defences and maintain fuel supplies, especially to the Crimean Peninsula.
On Friday, authorities in Russian-annexed Crimea declared a state of emergency over fuel shortages and power outages caused by Ukrainian attacks on logistics routes and oil facilities.
Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, a move rejected by most countries.
Pledge to strengthen security
Earlier on Sunday, Putin addressed members of the ruling United Russia party, promising to reinforce national security as Ukraine steps up strikes inside Russian territory.
He said the government recognised the problems created by the attacks but would ensure the country's security and protect its borders.
Putin also said Russia would overcome the challenges posed by what he described as attacks on its territory and infrastructure.
Ukraine targets refineries
Putin's remarks came after a Ukrainian drone strike killed one person in Russia's southern Krasnodar region and sparked a fire at an oil refinery, according to regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack formed part of operations aimed at reducing Russia's ability to continue the war.
Writing on X, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had struck the Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, about 300 kilometres from the front line, as well as another refinery in Russia's Yaroslavl region, roughly 700 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
Last week, another Ukrainian strike triggered a major fire at a refinery south-east of Moscow, sending thick black smoke across parts of the capital's suburbs.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026