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Ukraine Strikes Russian Refineries as Putin Acknowledges Fuel Shortages

His rare admission signals Kyiv’s long‑range drone campaign is degrading Russia’s refining capacity, prompting emergency measures in Moscow.

Overview

  • The overnight June 28–29 strikes set fire to the Slavyansk‑na‑Kubani refinery in Krasnodar and Kyiv said it also hit a refinery in Yaroslavl, with Russian regional officials reporting one death from falling debris.
  • President Vladimir Putin publicly described a “certain shortage” of fuel and ordered a task force to stabilize supplies while directing imports, faster repairs of damaged facilities, review of exports and increased air‑defence production.
  • Both sides reported mass drone exchanges that strained air defences: Russia said it shot down more than 200 Ukrainian drones overnight and Ukraine reported large Russian counter‑raids that included long‑range strike drones and missiles.
  • The campaign has reduced Russia’s available refining capacity, led to regional rationing and long lines at gas stations, and prompted officials to consider export curbs to prioritize domestic needs.
  • Analysts and agencies including the IEA report measurable drops in Russian crude and refined output from repeated deep strikes, a trend that raises risks of further economic pressure inside Russia and wider escalation into NATO airspace.