Russia closes EU borders and imports fuel as Ukrainian drone strikes trigger nationwide shortages

Drone strikes cripple refining capacity

Ukrainian forces have intensified long-range drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and depots, knocking out up to half of the country's primary oil processing capacity, according to Ukrainian energy analyst Mychajlo Hontschar. The strikes have caused domestic fuel production to collapse by 25 percent year-on-year, leaving Russia, one of the world's largest oil producers, scrambling to meet demand. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged "a certain shortage" on Sunday, while Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said all refineries were operating at maximum capacity, with repairs accelerated and scheduled maintenance postponed.

“We have a certain shortage. It is particularly important to maintain fuel supplies to the agricultural sector because the harvest depends on it.”

Public anxiety and rationing

Across Russia, long queues have formed at petrol stations, even in Moscow, where drivers wait hours to fill up. Authorities have imposed rationing, limiting sales to 20–30 litres per vehicle and banning the filling of jerry cans. In Crimea, annexed in 2014, fuel sales to individuals have been suspended entirely. Social media footage shows fights breaking out in queues, and a viral video titled "The Ultimate Luxury 2026" jokes about pouring petrol into a lawnmower. Online searches for "how to siphon fuel" surged to 9,300 by June 21, up from 697 a month earlier, according to Yandex data cited by iPhones.ru.

“I'm deeply frightened by the uncertainty and the lack of understanding where the situation is heading.”

“I think things can get out of control if the crisis causes major industries to shut down.”

Border closures and conscription fears

On July 1, Russia indefinitely suspended the movement of people, vehicles, and goods across seven border crossings with Finland, Estonia, and Latvia. The executive order, which blocks key railway and road links, was widely interpreted as an attempt to prevent a new wave of military-aged men fleeing the country ahead of a possible further mobilisation. Russians are already withdrawing cash at a record pace of 13 billion roubles (about €150 million) per day, reflecting mounting anxiety over the war and economic instability.

Imports from India and Kazakhstan

To offset the domestic shortfall, Russia has begun importing gasoline by sea from India, with at least 60,000 tonnes already shipped and plans to import up to 400,000 tonnes per month. India, which bought record volumes of discounted Russian crude in June, is refining that oil and selling it back to Moscow at a premium. Kazakhstan has also agreed to supply 50,000 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline in July and August, possibly in exchange for Russian jet fuel, which it needs for summer demand. Neighbouring Belarus has tripled its rail deliveries of gasoline.

“Indirect evidence indicates that Ukrainian drone attacks have disabled about a quarter of Russia's oil refining capacity. The crisis has led to rising fuel prices and local shortages, as some regions simply lack oil refineries.”

Economic and political fallout

The fuel crisis is compounding broader economic pessimism: a recent poll showed Russians more downbeat about economic conditions than at any time in the past 20 years. The government has banned exports of petrol and jet fuel and is considering a diesel export ban. Analysts warn that higher transport costs will feed into prices of goods and services, while the agricultural sector fears harvest disruptions. The Kremlin's scramble to import fuel, close borders, and ration supplies marks a stark reversal for a country that was until recently a major energy exporter.