Putin cites modest GDP growth as fuel shortages and security measures intensify ahead of elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the country's gross domestic product is growing at roughly one percent, describing the pace as modest but positive. He linked the slowdown to external pressure and recent Ukrainian long-range strikes that have damaged logistics facilities, including Wildberries warehouses, and said the government is taking steps to address economic challenges before the September State Duma elections.

Data from a crowd-sourced mobile app indicated that gasoline was available at only 28 percent of Russian stations, down from 41 percent a week earlier, with shortages reported in several oblasts, including Moscow. Gazprom Neft confirmed the introduction of gasoline quotas at some Moscow stations and said it was working to increase supply. The shortfall has also led to a shortage of motor oil, according to the business daily Kommersant, which cited a government commission discussing a possible export ban on aromatic hydrocarbons used in fuel production.

In response to growing public discontent, the Kremlin has deployed units of the internal security force Rosgvardia to gas stations in Moscow Oblast and other locations. A draft bill approved by a legislative commission would allow rescue forces of the Ministry of Emergency Situations to use firearms if non-violent measures fail, a measure presented as a counter-drone safeguard but also expanding authority to suppress unrest.

Mass gatherings in Moscow’s Red Square have been restricted, with the Spasskaya Bashnya military music festival and a Russia Day concert cancelled amid concerns about protests.

Separately, Ukraine’s parliament confirmed the appointment of Yevheniy Khmara as defence minister and reappointed Andriy Sybiha as foreign minister. Both sides reported a prisoner-of-war exchange, each returning 103 servicemembers, many of whom were wounded or ill.

On the front lines, Russian forces reported limited advances in several sectors of the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, while Ukrainian troops continued to strike Russian logistics sites and drone depots in occupied territories.