Putin admits 'problems' as Ukraine hits Russian refineries and Crimea declares emergency
The Russian president told United Russia party members on Sunday that Moscow would overcome 'terrorist attacks' on its territory, hours after a massive drone strike killed one person and set fire to a major refinery in Krasnodar region.
Putin addresses party congress
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on Sunday that Russia is facing 'problems' and pledged to ensure the country's security, speaking at a United Russia congress ahead of September's legislative elections. His rare concession came as Ukraine intensifies drone and missile strikes far behind the frontlines, targeting military and hydrocarbon infrastructure.
We see the problems. We recognize them and we respond to them. But we will without a doubt ensure the security of the country and our citizens.
He described the Ukrainian attacks as 'terrorist' and vowed to overcome all challenges. The remarks reflect the pressure that Kyiv's long-range strike campaign is placing on Russia's energy backbone and its war effort.
Ukraine's growing strike campaign
For months, Kyiv has struck oil refineries, depots and power facilities inside Russia and in occupied Ukrainian territory, aiming to choke off the hydrocarbon revenues that finance Moscow's military. Ukraine frames the operations as retaliation for Russia's daily bombardment of its cities since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The campaign has produced tangible disruption. On June 18, an attack on a major Moscow refinery caused explosions and a large fire. In the early hours of June 28, a 'massive' drone assault on the Krasnodar region killed one person and ignited a blaze at the Slaviansk-on-Kuban refinery, regional governor Veniamine Kondratiev said.
- Attack on a major Moscow refinery causes explosions and a large fire.
- Crimea placed in state of emergency; fuel sales suspended, power cuts introduced.
- Massive drone strike on Slaviansk-on-Kuban refinery kills one, sparks fire. Putin addresses United Russia congress.
Crimea under emergency
The annexed Crimean peninsula was placed in a 'state of emergency' on Friday after repeated waves of strikes crippled its infrastructure. Authorities suspended fuel sales to private individuals and imposed rolling power cuts. The move underscores how Ukraine's attacks are eroding normal civilian life and logistics in Russian-controlled areas.
Diplomatic freeze and Zelensky's message
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed responsibility for the Slaviansk-on-Kuban and Yaroslavl region strikes, calling them a step toward peace.
These strikes mean fewer resources for the Russian war machine, and a new step toward peace.
American-brokered diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, the deadliest in Europe since World War II, remain at a standstill.
