Putin says Russia has "very strong" energy base despite fuel supply problems

On July 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Ukraine's attacks had created temporary problems with petroleum products in Russia but that the country's energy sector remained strong and the situation would gradually improve.

"Our energy sector has a very strong and reliable foundation. Yes, they are creating certain problems for us with petroleum products at the moment. I think the situation will gradually improve," Putin was quoted by TASS as saying, referring to Kyiv's attacks on Russian energy facilities.

Putin also warned that Russia would respond to attacks on its territory with greater force.

"Our responses will always be reciprocal. Wherever they try to strike Russian territory, we will respond in kind, only several times more powerfully," he said.

Ukraine intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure in June and July, targeting oil refineries, fuel depots and export facilities deep inside Russia in an effort to disrupt fuel supplies and military logistics. The attacks coincided with growing fuel shortages, rising petrol prices and long queues at filling stations across parts of Russia.

Among the most significant strikes was a June 16 drone attack on Gazprom Neft's Moscow refinery, the region's largest fuel supplier. Reuters reported that the strike damaged a primary refining unit accounting for 53% of the plant's capacity, forcing operations to halt, according to industry sources.

On July 6, Ukrainian drones struck the Omsk refinery, Russia's largest, located about 2,700 km (1,700 miles) from Ukrainian-held territory. The refinery processed 22 million metric tonnes of crude in 2024, producing about 5 million tonnes of petrol and 8 million tonnes of diesel.

Reuters has also reported strikes on refineries in Norsi, Syzran and Yaroslavl, as well as oil terminals and fuel depots, as Ukraine expanded its long-range campaign against Russia's energy sector.

By Aghakazim Guliyev