Fuel shortages now grip Russia,especially in major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg,as Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure escalate. President Vladimir Putin feels the heat as economic impacts of conflict grow.
Reports say rationing hit 53 regions in Russia and occupied Ukraine. Petrol stations limit sales to 20 litres for petrol,40 litres for diesel. State oil giant Rosneft restricted petrol sales in canisters,citing seasonal demand spikes . This follows a notable drop in oil production. International Energy Agency reports output down to 8.74 million barrels per day in May,from 8.96 million in April.
Ukrainian forces hit Moscow Oil Refinery twice recently,causing major damage,with smoke billowing skyward . Refinery,which supplies over 38% of fuel for capital region,shut down after attacks. Flights at six airports around Moscow were canceled due to pollution concerns.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced €4 billion ($4.6 billion) in military aid from allies to boost defenses. Aid includes anti-ballistic interceptors,long-range artillery. EU committed €6 billion ($6.9 billion) from European Peace Facility,started talks for Ukraine’s EU membership,stalled earlier by Hungary.
At recent conference, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed EU to speed up membership process,insisting Ukraine met obligations,deserves faster progress. “Ukraine has earned the right to move faster,” he said,urging for all negotiation clusters to open simultaneously.
As conflict intensifies,Putin admits economic hit from Ukrainian strikes,says military will ramp up attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Aim: deter further assaults on Russian areas . But doubts linger among Russians,officials regarding government's handling of economic fallout.
Russian Duma members voice concerns about war's financial toll,some blaming economic woes on poor reforms,ongoing conflict. Despite vows to cut military spending,reports show defense budget to rise,with two-thirds of government revenues earmarked for it.
As situation unfolds,Kremlin's grip on economic narrative faces test. War's toll on daily life in Russia grows visible,with citizens facing new limits and mounting financial strain…
