Russian Troops Are Running Out of Gas-and Sometimes Leaving Military Hardware Behind

Key Points:

• Russia is experiencing a severe fuel shortage that is disrupting its military operations in Ukraine, with troops reporting reduced gasoline and diesel deliveries, strict refueling limits, and difficulties supplying frontline positions.
• The fuel crisis is attributed to sustained Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and infrastructure, leading to significant cuts in fuel supplies for combat vehicles and logistics trucks.
• Russian soldiers report receiving as little as 20 liters of fuel per day, forcing some to abandon equipment like tanks due to lack of fuel, and requiring troops to carry supplies on foot over long distances.
• Fuel is increasingly expensive and hard to obtain privately, with soldiers paying high prices from local residents or relying on fellow soldiers returning from leave, while the Defense Ministry provides fuel only for officially registered military equipment.
• The shortage also affects critical support systems such as generators for communications and water pumps, causing rising personal expenses for soldiers, and has been acknowledged by pro-war bloggers and volunteer groups within Russia.