Putin admits Russia is in ‘difficult period’ as Ukrainian drone strikes intensify, vows to ‘overcome challenges’ | Today’s news
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that Russia was going through a difficult period, but that it had taught the country a lot, according to the state-run TASS agency.
Speaking at a congress of the ruling United Russia party ahead of parliamentary elections due in September, Putin wished the party he previously led electoral success. His remarks came as Ukraine stepped up long-range drone strikes on Russian territory, targeting key energy infrastructure and oil refineries.
Putin vows to overcome challenges
Addressing party members, Putin acknowledged the growing security threats Russia faces but insisted the country would withstand the pressure.
“Yes, we see the problems, we are aware of them and react to them, but we will certainly ensure the safety of both the country and our citizens, as well as the inviolability of Russia’s borders.”
He also pledged to defeat what he described as terrorist attacks on Russian soil.
“Undoubtedly, we will overcome all the challenges we face today, including terrorist attacks on our territory and infrastructure.”
According to TASS, Putin said that the current difficult period has taught Russia valuable lessons.
Ukraine calls for new strikes at refineries
Putin’s remarks came hours after Ukrainian drones struck the Slavyansk oil refinery in southern Russia’s Krasnodar region, killing at least one person and sparking a major fire, according to regional authorities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying they were aimed at weakening Russia’s ability to continue the war.
“Our ‘long-range sanctions’ hit two oil refineries in Russia.”
He added: “Each strike means a reduction in the resources that power Russia’s war machine and another step towards peace.”
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces also hit an oil refinery in Russia’s Yaroslavl, about 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Russian authorities confirmed temporary road closures and airport restrictions in the region following overnight drone strikes, but did not immediately confirm damage to the refinery.
Ukraine strengthens long-term campaign
Kiev has significantly expanded its long-range drone campaign in recent months, increasingly targeting Russian military industries, logistics centers and energy facilities far from the front lines.
Ukraine says the attacks are legitimate retaliation for near-daily Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Western analysts say the strikes have disrupted Russian fuel supplies, complicated military logistics and increased pressure on the Kremlin.
Read also | Ukraine attacked the main Russian gas power plant, communication centers at night
Fuel shortages are spreading
The latest attacks come as Russia faces increasing fuel shortages.
Last week, Kremlin-appointed authorities in Crimea declared a state of emergency after repeated Ukrainian strikes damaged fuel supply routes and energy infrastructure.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Moscow was revising fuel export agreements to protect domestic supplies.
“There is no ban on intergovernmental agreements at this time. In any case, we are working with the partners with whom these agreements were concluded to evaluate the current situation and requirements.”
Authorities also imposed limits on fuel purchases in parts of Siberia, while several private fuel retailers reported supply shortages.
The drone war is intensifying
Russia’s Defense Ministry said it intercepted 213 Ukrainian drones overnight over Russian territory, occupied Crimea and the Black and Azov Seas.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 142 long-range drones and eight missiles overnight, adding that Ukrainian air defense intercepted 125 drones and seven missiles.
The latest exchanges underscore the increasingly far-reaching nature of the conflict, with both sides attacking targets hundreds of kilometers behind the battlefield as the war enters its fifth year.
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