Updated · Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty · Jun 28
Putin Acknowledges Fuel Shortages in 17 Russian Regions as Ukraine Drones Hit Refineries
Updated
Updated · Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty · Jun 28
Putin Acknowledges Fuel Shortages in 17 Russian Regions as Ukraine Drones Hit Refineries
3 articles · Updated · Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty · Jun 28
Summary
At least 17 Russian regions have imposed mandatory gasoline and diesel sales limits, prompting Putin to publicly admit a “certain shortage” and persistent lines at filling stations.
Putin linked the crunch to Ukrainian drone strikes on oil terminals, refineries and pipelines, while insisting the disruption is “not critical” and saying Russia is drawing on gasoline reserves.
A complete diesel export ban is under consideration, and Putin ordered priority supplies for farmers, saying July fuel output should exceed June as a round-the-clock task force works on the crisis.
Hours before his remarks, a Ukrainian strike killed one person and set a Krasnodar refinery ablaze; Zelensky said attacks on sites 300 kilometers and 700 kilometers from Ukraine aim to weaken Russia’s war effort.
Putin also said he expects US negotiators to visit Moscow after Washington reaches an Iran-related agreement, signaling talks on Ukraine may continue even as battlefield pressure reaches Russia’s energy system.