Putin admits Ukrainian strikes driving Russian fuel shortages

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian strikes on infrastructure are causing "a certain shortage" of fuel, though he described the problems as not critical. These attacks, which Ukraine states are retribution for Russian barrages on its energy infrastructure, have led to an "emergency situation" in annexed Crimea due to fuel shortages and power cuts. Putin stated Russia's focus is on increasing anti-aircraft defense and ensuring fuel supplies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated these strikes, including on refineries in Krasnodar and Yaroslavl regions, are intended to weaken Russia's war-fighting capabilities. Putin vowed to ensure security and overcome challenges posed by these attacks.

Ukraine conducted a significant drone assault on Russia, resulting in a fire at a major oil refinery in the south and the deaths of at least two people, according to Russian authorities. This attack occurred as President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Russia is experiencing a "difficult period." In recent months, Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes targeting Russian military industries and energy facilities. The objective of these attacks is to reduce Moscow's revenue for its ongoing invasion and to make Russians feel the impact of the conflict. These Ukrainian actions have reportedly disrupted Russian fuel and military supplies and are believed by Western analysts to be slowing Moscow's battlefield progress, increasing pressure on the Kremlin.

Ukraine claims to have conducted drone attacks on two Russian oil refineries, the Slavyansk and Yaroslavl facilities, overnight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated these strikes aim to weaken Russia's war-waging capabilities by reducing resources for its military. Russian authorities reported at least two fatalities in drone attacks across the country, with one death attributed to the Slavyansk refinery strike and another in the Belgorod region. Fires and damage to several houses were reported at the Slavyansk refinery. Russia claims to have shot down numerous drones. These attacks follow previous Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure in Crimea and the port of Kavkaz.

Ukraine conducted a significant drone assault on Russia, setting fire to a major oil refinery in Slavyansk-na-Kubani, Krasnodar region, and killing at least two people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine's responsibility for the strike, stating it was part of an effort to reduce Russia's resources for the war and move towards peace. Debris from downed drones reportedly caused the blaze at the Slavyansk refinery. Zelenskyy also claimed a second Russian refinery in the Yaroslavl region was hit. Russian authorities reported shooting down numerous Ukrainian drones overnight, while Ukraine stated it downed most of Russia's incoming drones and missiles.