Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that Ukraine’s repeated attacks on Russian energy facilities have created fuel supply problems, although he insisted the situation remains under control.
In an interview released by the Kremlin on Sunday, Putin said that Ukrainian strikes on key infrastructure had caused disruption but stressed that the shortages were not severe.
“These attacks on our infrastructure have created difficulties, which is clear,” he said.
“At the moment, we are experiencing a certain fuel shortage, but it is not critical,” he also said.
He said the immediate priorities were to strengthen Russia’s air defence systems and secure stable fuel deliveries, particularly to the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
The annexation is rejected by most countries and is not internationally recognised.
Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian oil refineries, fuel depots and transport networks, describing the strikes as a response to Russia’s continued missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The pressure on Russian supplies became more evident on Friday when authorities in Crimea declared a state of emergency following fuel shortages and electricity disruptions linked to attacks on logistics routes and oil facilities.
Earlier on Sunday, speaking at the congress of the ruling United Russia party, Putin acknowledged the growing challenges but said the government would ensure the country’s security.
He told party members that Russia was aware of the problems created by attacks on its territory and infrastructure and would continue taking measures to protect its citizens and safeguard its borders.
He also said that the country would overcome what he described as terrorist attacks against Russian territory.
The remarks came after officials in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region reported that a Ukrainian drone attack had killed one person and triggered a fire at an oil refinery.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, "The strike formed part of a broader campaign aimed at reducing Russia’s ability to sustain its military operations.”
Writing on social media, Zelensky said, “Ukrainian forces had struck the Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, around 300 kilometres from the front line.”
He also claimed another refinery in Russia’s Yaroslavl region, roughly 700 kilometres from Ukraine’s border, had been successfully targeted.
The latest attacks follow another Ukrainian strike last week that caused a major fire at an oil refinery south-east of Moscow, sending thick smoke across parts of the capital’s outskirts.
Alongside addressing the impact of the attacks, Putin also indicated that Moscow remained open to further diplomatic discussions over the war.
He said, “Russia expected US representatives to return to Moscow for further negotiations once Washington’s focus shifted away from the recent tensions involving Iran and the wider Middle East.”
According to Russian state media, Putin stated again, “Moscow was prepared to continue negotiations and discuss all outstanding issues related to the conflict.”
His comments followed recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who urged Russia to reach an agreement with Ukraine after attending the G7 summit in France.
Trump also said last week that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had been performing effectively in the conflict, despite earlier questioning Ukraine’s ability to prevail.
More than four years into the war, military analysts say Ukraine has demonstrated resilience on the battlefield despite facing continued Russian missile and drone attacks on its cities.
At the same time, Kyiv has expanded its long-range strike capability, increasingly targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure and military logistics in an effort to weaken Moscow’s war effort.
