Putin says Russia faces fuel shortages after Ukraine strikes

Key Points:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged fuel shortages in Russia caused by Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on key energy infrastructure but assured that repairs and imports are underway to address the "temporary deficit."
• Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian oil facilities, including recent strikes on refineries in the Krasnodar and Yaroslavl regions, aiming to cut off Moscow's energy revenues and pressure Russia to end the ongoing conflict.
• Putin pledged to strengthen Russia's air defenses against Ukrainian drone capabilities and indicated a possible full ban on diesel exports amid fuel shortages and queues at petrol stations.
• Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War suggest Putin's comments aim to downplay the economic impact of Ukraine's strikes while projecting an image of stability despite widespread gasoline shortages.
• Ukraine's drone campaign is expected to negatively affect Russia's economy, with officials warning that reduced fuel production could lower Russia's GDP growth, which is forecasted to be between 0.5% and 1.5% in 2026.