Additional Coverage:
Ukrainian Strikes Intensify Fuel Crisis in Russia, Economic Pressure Mounts
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military campaign in Ukraine continues to face significant challenges, with Ukrainian forces claiming responsibility for the destruction of three key gas distribution centers in Russian-occupied Luhansk Oblast. This recent assault, coupled with prior attacks on energy infrastructure, is contributing to an escalating fuel crisis across Russia.
According to reports from Kyiv, Ukrainian forces infiltrated the Luhansk region under the cover of night, targeting facilities in Shchastia, Severodonetsk, and Novopskov. Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, confirmed that the 14th Separate Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment executed these strikes. Brovdi stated that the facility in Luhansk was a primary supplier for the local thermal power plant, which has now been forced to switch to coal power.
These coordinated attacks follow a prior incident where explosions rocked the main processing unit at the Afipsky Oil Refinery in Krasnodar, a facility deemed crucial to the Kremlin’s war efforts. The cumulative effect of these strikes has led to widespread fuel shortages, with reports of extensive queues forming outside gas stations in dozens of Russian regions.
The crisis further intensified with a devastating inferno that consumed a freight train in the Smolensk region. Authorities attributed the incident to an “accident” involving a collision with a truck at a level crossing.
Images from the scene depicted towering flames and thick black smoke billowing into the atmosphere. Russian Railways confirmed that the locomotive and 18 gasoline tank wagons derailed and caught fire, resulting in injuries to the train’s driver and assistant driver, who were hospitalized with moderate injuries.
Amidst these operational setbacks, former President Donald Trump weighed in on Russia’s economic situation, stating from the Oval Office that “Their economy is going to hell.” Indeed, nearly 400 gas stations have reportedly closed across Russia due to supply breakdowns, with the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea experiencing some of the most severe shortages.
Authorities there have acknowledged “problems with fuel,” as queues stretch for considerable distances. Other heavily affected areas include Moscow, Belgorod near the war zone, and the distant eastern territories of Primorsky and Sakhalin.
In another blow to state revenue, Moscow has extended its prohibition on gasoline and diesel exports until the end of the year. This comes as a new 2% VAT levy is being implemented to help finance the ongoing conflict and domestic suppression.
The mounting pressure has also seemingly rattled loyal state propagandists. Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent figure, expressed his frustration, stating, “I have been furious for months about the attacks on our oil refineries.
I am waiting for the moment when, finally, I am sure that now the realization has dawned and the most severe measures will be taken, including personal responsibility for mistakes in this area.”