Putin shrugs off fuel shortages, says he will not be deterred in Ukraine

Key Points:

• Despite severe fuel shortages caused by over 50 Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and energy facilities since March, President Vladimir Putin downplays their impact, calling them "not critical" and accusing Ukraine of trying to distract from battlefield losses.
• The attacks have cut approximately one-third of Russia’s refining capacity, leading to gasoline rationing and long queues in many regions, with Crimea facing the worst shortages, including periodic halts in gasoline sales to individuals.
• Putin has rejected ceasefire proposals from Ukraine and its Western allies, demanding Ukraine withdraw from parts of Donetsk and abandon NATO ambitions, insisting the war will continue until Russia's goals are met.
• Russian forces launched a deadly 11-hour missile barrage on Kyiv, killing at least 30 people, while Ukrainian strikes in Russia have mainly targeted military and energy infrastructure, highlighting the stark contrast in targeting approaches.
• Analysts say Ukrainian strikes have slowed Russian military advances and disrupted logistics, contradicting Putin's claims that the attacks have no effect on the front lines, which remain largely stalemated.