Ukraine strikes Russian oil refinery as Putin admits fuel shortages
Ukraine continued heavy drone attacks on Russia, setting a major oil refinery ablaze in the south, as President Putin acknowledged for the first time a 'certain deficit' of fuel and pledged to boost protection and output.
Ukraine pressed on with its intensive drone assault on Russian territory on Sunday, igniting a large oil refinery in the country's southern region. The attack coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin's first public acknowledgment that Russia is facing a “certain deficit” of fuel.
Putin vowed to enhance the protection of oil facilities and ramp up fuel production to address the shortfall. Analysts suggest that Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries could significantly disrupt Russia's domestic fuel market and military supply chains.
Sunday's operation is part of Kyiv's broader strategy to degrade Russia's war machine by targeting energy and fuel infrastructure. Experts believe such strikes may reduce Russia's ability to fuel its armed forces and strain its economy.
Putin's admission of a fuel deficit underscores the effectiveness of Ukrainian attacks, even as the Kremlin had previously downplayed serious fuel supply issues. The Russian president promised measures to stabilize the situation, including increasing output and improving defenses against aerial strikes.
