Putin admits fuel shortage as Ukraine drones target Crimea

Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure are causing real damage. Speaking to the ruling United Russia party on June 28, Putin said the country faces “a certain shortage” of fuel. He added that “strikes on our infrastructure sites are creating problems.” The admission marks a shift in tone from Moscow. For months, Russian officials downplayed the impact of Ukrainian strikes. Now, the attacks are putting pressure on a region Putin considers a “crown jewel”: Crimea. Crimea is in a state of emergency. Ukraine has intensified its drone campaign, targeting key energy sites on the peninsula. These strikes threaten Russian supply lines and military operations in the area. The fuel shortage could affect Russian forces in southern Ukraine. It may also disrupt daily life in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Putin’s comments suggest the campaign is working. But Ukraine has not publicly claimed responsibility for the latest attacks. The situation remains fluid.