Zelenskyy mocks Russian gas shortages as refineries hit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday mocked mounting fuel shortages across several Russian regions, stating that Moscow — which once described Ukraine as a "gas station" — is now itself "running out of gasoline" as the war disrupts critical energy infrastructure.

Zelenskyy taunts Moscow over fuel queues

In his nightly address, Zelenskyy highlighted images of long queues at petrol stations in multiple regions, describing the scarcity as a direct consequence of Ukraine's strategic campaign against Russian oil refineries. "And one of the examples of how Ukraine is responding. Aptly. Not terroristically," he said, adding that the fuel crisis demonstrates Kyiv's ability to target Moscow's war machine effectively.

The Ukrainian leader referenced previous Russian rhetoric that disparaged Ukraine as merely a "gas station," turning the characterization back on the Kremlin as domestic shortages bite. Recent drone attacks have forced several Russian refineries to suspend operations for maintenance, prompting Moscow to impose periodic restrictions aimed at stabilizing the domestic fuel market.

Putin acknowledges shortages but denies crisis

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday acknowledged that Ukrainian strikes on Russia's critical infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, "are obviously creating problems." Speaking to state media, he admitted, "We are currently seeing a certain shortage, but it's not critical," while stressing that repair crews are restoring damaged facilities fairly quickly.

Putin also accused Ukraine of "outright terrorist acts" against civilian infrastructure, claiming without evidence that Ukrainian forces are retreating along the front line. The remarks came as both sides escalate attacks on energy targets, with Moscow's fuel export capabilities increasingly constrained by Kyiv's unmanned aerial campaign.