Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including the Moscow Oil Refinery, for the first time since the strikes began. He framed the attacks as a tactic by a losing regime while ordering government measures to mitigate their impact.
The comments mark the first time President Putin has publicly addressed Ukraine's successful strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, signaling a shift in the war's impact on Russia and potentially influencing domestic political dynamics.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including the Moscow Oil Refinery, for the first time since the strikes began. Speaking on June 23, Putin framed the attacks as a desperate tactic by a regime facing battlefield losses, while also ordering government measures to mitigate their impact.
Putin stated that as the situation at the front deteriorates for Ukraine and Russian troops advance, Kyiv has resorted to striking civilian targets and infrastructure to disrupt energy supplies and the tourism season. He claimed awareness of these intentions, which Ukraine has communicated through various channels.
However, the article notes that Putin's claims exaggerate Russian battlefield momentum and downplay the effects of Ukrainian strikes. Russia's spring offensive was largely unsuccessful, with significant troop losses for minimal territorial gains. Meanwhile, Ukraine's strikes have led to refinery shutdowns, exacerbating a fuel crisis and prompting discussions of a diesel export ban.
Putin did not detail the consequences of the strikes but instructed the government to take additional steps to minimize or eliminate their effects, assigning primary responsibility to the Defense Ministry and security agencies. The comments come as Putin faces mounting domestic political pressure due to the war's impact on Russian life, including fuel shortages and internet shutdowns.