Putin acknowledges fuel shortages amid Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is facing fuel shortages after a series of Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure deep inside the country. He told a state-run television reporter that a task force had been set up to mitigate the problem, which he described as a serious crisis but not a critical one.

In a meeting with government officials on Sunday, Putin discussed fuel distribution and said a ban on diesel exports was being considered. He also said Russia’s immediate priorities were strengthening air defences and maintaining fuel supplies, especially to the annexed peninsula of Crimea, which had declared a state of emergency.

Ukraine has stepped up medium- and long-range strikes on Russian energy sites in recent weeks, prompting fuel shortages and long queues at gas stations across several regions, including Crimea.

"These attacks on our infrastructure facilities do create problems, that is obvious," Putin said.

The president added that Russia is aware of the difficulties and is responding, while also pledging to protect the country’s borders and citizens.

Ukrainian officials highlighted the strikes as part of a broader effort to weaken Russia’s war capability and urged Moscow to engage in negotiations.

"We continue our operations that weaken Russia’s ability to wage this war," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media.

The Kremlin has also reported progress in its offensive in eastern Ukraine, claiming partial control of the town of Kostyantynivka, though Ukrainian sources say the area remains contested.