Ukraine continues its drone attacks on Russia, setting fire to a key oil refinery in the country’s south. On Sunday, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged a ‘certain deficit’ of fuel for the first time and pledged to increase protection of oil facilities and boost fuel production.
Ukraine has significantly ramped up long-range attacks on Russian military industries and energy facilities in recent months. The aim is to cut Moscow’s revenue used for its over-four-year-long invasion and make Russians feel the impact.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Telegram that Ukraine’s ‘long-range sanctions’ hit two Russian oil refineries. Each strike reduces resources that feed Russia’s war machinery, taking another step toward peace. The campaign has choked Russian fuel supplies, causing widespread shortages and long queues at gas stations across the country. Many regions have implemented fuel rationing as a result.
Western analysts say these actions have slowed Moscow’s battlefield efforts, increasing pressure on the Kremlin to negotiate. In an interview with Russian state television, Putin described Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries as attempts to ‘create division in Russian society’ and compel Russia to halt troop movements along front lines. He suggested that Ukraine is seeking negotiation terms advantageous to itself.
Putin rejected overtures from Ukraine to pause deep strikes, arguing that Kiev’s proposal to limit fighting to four regions annexed but not fully captured by Russia would allow Ukraine to focus on repelling Russian attacks elsewhere.
Remains of downed Ukrainian drones caused a fire at the refinery in Slavyansk-na-Kubani in Russia’s Krasnodar region, east of Crimea. According to Governor Veniamin Kondratyev, the incidents resulted in one death and injuries to individuals nearby.
The Slavyansk complex is one of southern Russia’s main refineries, processing over 4 million tons of crude yearly. It exports petroleum products such as fuel oil, naphtha, and marine fuel through Black Sea ports. Zelenskyy noted that a second Russian refinery in Yaroslavl was also targeted in overnight raids. Local authorities have not confirmed reports of these strikes.
Fuel shortages in Russia have led Putin to announce adjustments in policy plans. Despite various Western sanctions, Russia remains among the top global oil and gas exporters. Recently, Ukraine has targeted fuel deliveries to Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014. Fuel sales to civilians in Crimea were suspended after Kiev’s strikes on supply routes prompted a severe energy crisis there.
Putin admitted Russia is facing a ‘difficult period’ but pledged to fulfill social obligations to its citizens. He announced plans to increase production of air defense systems to counter Ukrainian attacks. Russia will import more fuel and accelerate repairs at oil facilities to end the ‘temporary deficit.’
Putin emphasized rapid restoration of damaged facilities and saw emerging issues as non-critical. He specifically promised to address Crimea’s fuel shortage and expressed confidence in meeting this task.
As fuel shortages spread, the governor of Russia’s Irkutsk region announced a cap of 50 liters per vehicle per day at Rosneft gas stations. Other stations may impose lower limits. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated Moscow is actively reviewing fuel export agreements to safeguard domestic needs.
Elsewhere on Sunday, a Russian airstrike killed two people in Zaporiyia, Ukraine, and injured 16 others, including two children. Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia’s Belgorod region killed one person and wounded another, reported Governor Alexander Shuvayev.
Russia’s Defense Ministry stated its forces downed 213 Ukrainian drones overnight, impacting regions including Crimea and the Black and Azov seas. Meanwhile, Russia launched 142 long-range attack drones and eight missiles; Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted 125 drones and seven missiles.