Overview
- Ukrainian long‑range drone attacks have struck refineries, oil depots, tankers and a Black Sea port, causing fires and degrading Russia's fuel distribution network.
- Russian regions have imposed rationing and fuel limits as shortages produced long queues, fights at petrol stations and opportunistic resale of fuel.
- President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the problem and ordered a task force on fuel supplies while officials are considering measures such as curbing diesel exports.
- Kremlin‑aligned commentators have demanded harsh retaliation and foreign officials say oligarch unease and public hardship are increasing political pressure on Putin.
- Analysts warn the campaign strains Russia's air defences, complicates maritime and logistics security, and could provoke wider escalation with wider economic and humanitarian effects.