Putin admits to fuel shortages in Russia for first time, cites Ukrainian drone strikes

President Vladimir Putin has conceded that Russia is facing fuel shortages following a barrage of long-range Ukrainian drone strikes on key energy infrastructure, though he insisted the Kremlin is managing the situation.

Putin's comments — made during an interview with a state TV reporter on Sunday — mark the first time he has detailed the extent to which Ukraine's deep-strike successes have hampered Russia's fuel production.

"All damaged facilities are being restored quite quickly, and the issues that arise are not critical," Putin said, according to The Associated Press.

The Russian president said Russia would import more fuel and expedite repairs of oil facilities to end what he described as a "temporary deficit." He also pledged to bolster Russia's air defense capacity to counter Ukraine's mid- to long-range drone capabilities.

Escalating Ukrainian Strikes

Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian oil facilities in recent weeks, seeking to cut off Moscow's energy revenues and pressure Putin to end the more than four-year war.

Key developments include:

• A huge explosion at Gazprom's Moscow Refinery earlier in June
• Intensified strikes on Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, as part of a strategy to isolate the peninsula
• A series of political tailwinds benefiting Ukraine in recent weeks

The attacks have prompted some analysts to suggest the conflict could be shifting in Ukraine's favor.

Putin's Public Remarks

Speaking earlier on Sunday at the ruling United Russia party congress, Putin used his speech to reinforce his resolve to achieve the country's military objectives and project Russia's strength. He referred vaguely to the impact of Ukraine's attacks on Russian energy facilities:

"Yes, we see and realise our problems – we also respond to them."

He added: "We will certainly handle all the challenges we are facing today, including terrorist attacks on our territory and our infrastructure."

During a separate meeting with government ministers and other officials, Putin acknowledged the impact of Ukraine's drone strikes, noting queues at petrol stations and saying a full ban on diesel exports was under consideration.

Analysis

Researchers at the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Putin's latest comments acknowledged the effects of Ukraine's long-range strike campaign but sought to dismiss concerns and "promote a facade of stability."

"Putin did not explicitly discuss Ukraine's strike campaign against Russia or the wide-scale gasoline shortages experienced across the entire country, but Putin is likely subtly trying to portray himself as cognizant of the economic and social struggles Russia is facing," the think tank said.

Image: Cars queue at a gas station operated by Rosneft, a state-controlled Russian oil company, on June 27, 2026, in Moscow, Russia. Russia has been experiencing a fuel crisis since mid-June, caused by increased Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries. Credit: Contributor | Getty Images News | Getty Images