Ukraine Strikes on Russian Refineries Spark 'Fuel War,' Putin Faces Political Straits

With approximately 28% of Russia's oil refining capacity idled due to repeated Ukrainian drone attacks, fuel shortages are emerging in the world's second-largest crude oil exporter.

Russia is now resorting to re-importing gasoline from fellow oil exporter India to combat severe domestic shortages, while Moscow residents face long waits at gas stations or an inability to find fuel.

The expansion of Ukrainian drone attacks to areas near Moscow has heightened public anxiety, leading to a drop in President Putin's approval ratings to their lowest point since the war began, according to one analysis. The Financial Times attributes this to public discontent over the protracted war, while the Wall Street Journal notes that President Putin faces new political challenges. Russia's energy security and political situation moving forward are now drawing significant attention.