Zelensky: Fuel shortages reported in over 60 Russian regions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has highlighted significant fuel shortages affecting more than 60 regions in Russia, coinciding with a troubling rise in gasoline and diesel prices. During a recent address, he pointed out that Ukraine is actively targeting Russian military arsenals near St. Petersburg and key production facilities across the country, including those manufacturing critical rocket components in Voronezh and a plant in Cheboksary that has been hit by Ukrainian missiles.
Zelensky stated that he has ordered Ukrainian intelligence and military forces to preemptively target sites used by Russia to escalate the conflict. Reports indicate increasing dissatisfaction among the Russian populace, as evidenced by declining approval ratings for President Vladimir Putin and his party, United Russia.
“In over 60 Russian regions, there is a fuel shortage, with significant price hikes for gasoline and diesel when available. Russian intelligence agencies are even suggesting moving or entirely canceling the ritual of electing United Russia to the State Duma, as the planned imitative elections for September face uncertainty, according to our intelligence reports,” Zelensky remarked.
Additionally, Reuters has reported that in response to fuel shortages, Russia is negotiating with Kazakhstan to procure approximately 50,000 tons of A-92 gasoline. Bloomberg previously indicated that Russia recorded its highest oil export levels in May due to the inability to process oil domestically amid Ukrainian strikes on its refineries.
Context
- On March 27, 2026, the state-owned All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion reported the lowest approval rating for Putin since the start of the war, having dropped by 1.9 percentage points to 70.1%.
- Le Monde reported on May 3 that there were growing concerns in the Kremlin regarding these ratings, especially in light of upcoming parliamentary elections in Russia.
- On June 1, Reuters noted that Russian businessmen were discussing the need to end the war in Ukraine due to economic difficulties.
- On June 12, Russian State Duma Deputy Vyacheslav Markhaev criticized the government, calling for a clear and public plan to conclude the war against Ukraine.
