Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that Ukrainian strikes have caused problems with energy infrastructure and a certain fuel shortage, but he insisted that the situation is "not critical."
"We are currently noticing a certain shortage, but it is not critical," the president said in an interview with state television journalist Pavel Zarubin.
According to him, Ukrainian strikes "create problems, that is obvious." At the same time, Putin insisted that damaged energy facilities are "being restored quite quickly," and the system operates with "a large reserve of strength."
To overcome the fuel shortage, according to Putin, it is necessary to accelerate the repair of oil refineries, ensure the necessary fuel imports, and better protect these facilities with air defense measures.
Putin also stated that the fuel reserves in annexed Crimea are sufficient for several days, and supplies will be increased by land and sea routes.
Since spring, Ukraine has periodically struck Russian oil refineries, oil terminals, and fuel transportation infrastructure, including in annexed Crimea. After this, gasoline and diesel sales have been restricted in several regions of Russia, and a severe fuel shortage has arisen in Crimea.
Putin also said that Russia needs to accelerate the production of air defense systems. At the same time, he insisted that Russian forces are advancing in Ukraine and rejected the possibility of concessions regarding ceasefire or negotiation terms.
