Ukraine’s Drone Strikes Intensify Fuel Crisis in Russia

Ukraine has maintained its aggressive drone attacks against Russia, which recently set ablaze a major oil refinery in southern Russia. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged a “certain deficit” of fuel and pledged to bolster the protection of oil facilities while increasing fuel production.

In recent months, Ukraine has escalated long-range attacks on Russian military industries and energy facilities. The aim is to reduce Moscow’s revenues for its ongoing invasion, now exceeding four years, and to impact Russian civilians.

Our ‘long-range sanctions’ have hit two oil refineries in Russia, reducing resources fueling Russia’s war machine and taking another step toward peace, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram.

This campaign has strained Russian fuel supplies, leading to widespread shortages and long queues at gas stations. Authorities in many regions have implemented fuel rationing.

Western analysts believe these attacks have hindered Moscow’s battlefield efforts, increasing pressure on the Kremlin to negotiate.

Putin’s Response to Ukrainian Strikes

Addressing a state television reporter, Putin described Ukraine’s attacks on oil refineries as an attempt to divide Russian society and force Russia to pause its military advancements and create favorable negotiation conditions.

“We will not give them that opportunity,” Putin stated. He emphasized that such attacks do not impact the situation on the front lines. He also mentioned Ukraine’s proposal to pause deep strikes due to favorable Russian attacks on Ukrainian territories.

Putin declined Ukraine’s offer to limit fighting to the four annexed regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, arguing that it would allow Ukraine to regroup forces against Russian troops elsewhere.

Impact of Drone Attacks

The remnants of downed Ukrainian drones caused a fire at the Slavyansk-na-Kubani refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region, killing one and injuring another, officials reported.

The Slavyansk complex processes about 4 million tons of oil annually and is a key source of petroleum products for export via Black Sea ports. Zelenskyy also noted another refinery hit in Yaroslavl region, around 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. No Russian authorities reported on this attack immediately.

Local Governor Mikhail Evraev mentioned temporary road closures between Moscow and Yaroslavl due to a “Ukrainian enemy drone attack.”

Russia’s Fuel Shortage and Response

With intensified attacks on its energy infrastructure, Russia faces significant fuel challenges. Although hit by Western sanctions, Moscow remains a leading exporter of oil and natural gas.

Ukraine’s goal to disrupt fuel supplies to Crimea led to severe energy crises in the region. Kremlin-installed officials in Crimea suspended gasoline sales to civilians following Ukraine’s supply route attacks.

Addressing the fuel situation, Putin affirmed Russia’s commitment to meeting its social obligations. He also vowed to increase air defense system production to counter Ukrainian attacks.

Putin announced plans to import more fuel and expedite repairs to damaged oil facilities, ensuring the “temporary deficit” is resolved. He remains confident in increasing fuel deliveries to Crimea by land and sea.

With fuel shortages spreading, the governor of Russia’s Irkutsk region, Igor Kobzev, limited fuel purchases to 50 liters per vehicle at Rosneft gas stations, leaving other stations to set lower limits.

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Novak, stated that Moscow is reviewing fuel export agreements to meet domestic needs.

Continued Hostilities

On the same day, Russian airstrikes killed two and injured 16 in the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, as reported by regional administrator Ivan Fedorov.

Earlier, Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia’s Belgorod region resulted in one death and one injury, according to interim governor Alexander Shuvayev.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have downed 213 Ukrainian drones overnight, targeting Russia, Crimea, and the Black Sea regions. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Air Force reported shooting down 125 drones and seven missiles as Russia launched 142 long-range attack drones and eight missiles.

Translated from an original English version, this story involved AI assistance.