"Attacks targeting critical infrastructure, especially energy facilities, are causing difficulties. This is evident. We have noted certain shortages, but not critical ones," President Vladimir Putin said in an interview published by the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company on 28/6.

According to him, the urgent task now is to strengthen air defense capabilities and ensure fuel supply, particularly for the Crimea peninsula. Russian officials also need to promptly repair energy and fuel facilities to resolve the issue.

"Clear plans are in place to ensure normal supply and eliminate short-term shortages," he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during an interview at the Kremlin on 28/6. Photo: AP

President Putin asserted that Ukrainian forces are retreating across the front lines and resorting to attacks on civilian infrastructure and targets to hinder the advance of Russian forces.

"These attacks on civilian infrastructure not only aim to cause damage but also contribute to their media campaign, intended to sow doubt and division within Russian society. The West has chosen to ignore these actions while imposing new, illegal sanctions on us," he emphasized.

Earlier, in a speech at the United Russia party congress, President Putin pledged to ensure security and overcome challenges amidst Ukraine's intensified airstrike campaign on Russian territory.

"We see and are fully aware of these problems and are taking responsive measures. Russia will certainly overcome all challenges it currently faces, including terrorist acts targeting its territory and infrastructure," the Kremlin leader stated.

Hours before Putin's remarks, a Ukrainian drone attack killed one person and caused a fire at an oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, according to governor Veniamin Kondratyev.

Oil storage tanks in the Moscow region exploded during a Ukrainian UAV attack on 16/6. Photo: Meduza

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called these actions part of "operations to weaken Russia's war-fighting capabilities."

"The Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, approximately 300 kilometers from the front line, was attacked. We also struck an oil refinery in the Yaroslavl province, approximately 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border," Zelensky noted.

A Ukrainian attack last week caused a large fire at an oil refinery southeast of Moscow, engulfing the capital's suburbs in thick plumes of black smoke. Kyiv views this as justified retaliation for nearly daily Russian airstrikes "targeting civilians and energy infrastructure" in Ukraine during the conflict.

Officials in Crimea declared a state of emergency on 26/6 due to fuel shortages and power outages, following Ukrainian attacks on logistics chains and oil facilities in the region. Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula in 2014, a move Ukraine and the West deem illegal.

Huyen Le (According to TASS, AFP)