Putin admits fuel shortages as Ukrainian drones hit Russian refineries

Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that the country is facing fuel shortages after a sustained campaign of Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on its oil refineries, though he insisted the problem was temporary.

Speaking to a state television reporter, Putin detailed for the first time the extent to which Ukraine's deep-strike campaign has hampered Russia's fuel production. Russia has faced a fuel crisis since mid-June, with widespread shortages, long queues at petrol stations and rationing introduced in many regions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his forces had struck two more refineries, one in the Krasnodar region and another in the Yaroslavl region, hundreds of kilometres from the front line, underscoring the growing reach of Ukraine's drones.

Putin said Russia would import more fuel and speed up repairs to its oil facilities to end what he called a "temporary deficit." Footage circulating online showed long lines and disputes at fuel stations in several parts of the country.

The strikes mark a significant shift in the war, with Ukraine increasingly targeting the energy infrastructure that funds Russia's war effort. Analysts say the pressure on refining capacity could complicate Moscow's fuel supplies and dent a key source of state revenue if the campaign continues.