Putin acknowledges fuel shortages after Ukrainian drone strikes

Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged fuel shortages in Russia after a series of Ukrainian drone strikes hit energy infrastructure. He said the government is working to repair damaged facilities, increase imports, and address what he called a temporary deficit. The comments, made in interviews and meetings on Sunday, were the clearest indication so far that Ukraine’s longrange attacks are disrupting Russian fuel production and supply. Putin also said Russia would strengthen air defenses and that the problems were not critical. Ukraine has stepped up strikes on Russian oil refineries and other energy sites in recent weeks, aiming to reduce Moscow’s war revenue and pressure the Kremlin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said forces had hit two more refineries, while Russian officials reported drone alerts and brief travel disruptions in parts of the country. Analysts say the damage could add pressure to Russia’s economy, which is already slowing this year. Russia’s central bank has projected 2026 growth of between 0.5% and 1.5%.