In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's Vladimir Putin addresses the audience at the 23rd Congress of the United Russia party in Moscow on June 28, 2026. Photo: AFP
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country was suffering from “a certain shortage” of fuel in an interview published by the Kremlin Sunday, after repeated Ukrainian strikes in their four-year war.
Kyiv calls the attacks fair retribution for Russia’s near-daily barrages on Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure since its February 2022 offensive.
“As for strikes against critical infrastructure in general, and energy infrastructure in particular, of course these attacks on our infrastructure facilities create problems, that’s obvious,” said Putin.
“Right now we’re observing a certain shortage, but it’s not critical.”
