MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Sunday that Russia faces fuel shortages after repeated Ukrainian strikes on its energy infrastructure, while saying the situation remains under control and expressing readiness to continue negotiations with the United States on ending the war in Ukraine.
In an interview published by the Kremlin, Putin said attacks on Russia’s critical and energy infrastructure had disrupted fuel supplies but had not created a critical situation.
“Right now we’re observing a certain shortage, but it’s not critical,” Putin said.
Putin said Russian authorities are working to strengthen the country’s air defense systems and secure fuel supplies, particularly for Crimea.
Authorities in Crimea declared a state of emergency Friday after Ukrainian attacks disrupted logistics routes and oil facilities, causing fuel shortages and power outages. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, although most countries do not recognize the annexation.
Earlier Sunday, Putin told members of the ruling United Russia party that Russia would respond to Ukrainian attacks and maintain the country’s security.
“We see the problems, we are aware of them and are responding to them, but we will certainly ensure the security of both the country and our citizens, as well as the inviolability of Russia’s borders,” Putin said.
His remarks came after a Ukrainian drone strike killed one person and ignited a fire at an oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, according to regional officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attacks targeted Russia’s ability to sustain its war effort.
“The Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region was hit — about 300 kilometers from the frontline. We also reached a refinery in the Yaroslavl region, approximately 700 kilometers from our border,” Zelensky wrote on X.
Last week, another Ukrainian strike triggered a large fire at a refinery southeast of Moscow.
Putin also said he expects U.S. representatives to return to Moscow for talks on ending the war after Washington shifts its attention from the conflict involving Iran and the Middle East.
“We are ready to continue negotiations and discuss all the details,” Putin said.
His comments followed remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump during the recent G7 Summit, where Trump urged Russia to reach an agreement with Ukraine.
Last week, Trump also said Zelensky was performing well in Ukraine’s defense against Russia despite the prolonged conflict.