Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged issues related to fuel shortages in Crimea, asserting that the situation is “temporary” and “not critical.” He emphasized that several tasks must be addressed within Russia to resolve the problem, including a need to significantly ramp up the production of in-demand air defense systems.
Putin also highlighted the importance of expediting the recovery of processing facilities from repairs and ensuring the necessary volume of imports. He remarked, “There are losses, but all damaged facilities are being restored fairly quickly, and the problems that arise are not of a critical nature. Everything is operating stably with a significant margin of safety.”
According to Reuters, however, the Moscow oil refinery has sustained serious damage and may not resume operations this year.
Discussing energy supplies to Crimea, Putin indicated that the monthly demand stands at 70,000 tons. “Currently, Crimea has supplies for a few days, but needs will be met. We will increase these supplies both over land and by sea,” he stated.
Furthermore, Putin accused Ukrainian defense forces of striking Russia as part of an “information campaign” aimed at instilling a sense of insecurity among Russians, while claiming that such attacks “absolutely do not affect the situation at the front.”
