Russia to import gasoline as Ukrainian strikes force Putin to use reserves

Source: Politico

Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia have impacted Vladimir Putin’s country’s ability to produce fuel.

JUNE 30, 2026 7:44 PM CET
BY MARTINA SAPIO

The Kremlin confirmed Tuesday that Russia is in talks to import gasoline from abroad, an extraordinary step for one of the world's largest oil exporters, as Ukrainian drone strikes continue to disrupt the country.

This acknowledgment marks the clearest sign yet that Moscow is struggling to stabilize its domestic fuel market after months of Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries and energy infrastructure.

"Discussions are actively being held," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that imports would proceed if agreements could be reached "at acceptable price points." He declined to identify the countries involved.

Russia is the world's second-largest crude oil exporter and third-largest exporter of refined petroleum products, making the prospect of gasoline imports politically and economically surprising.

…

Read more: https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-import-gasoline-ukraine-strikes-fuel-shortage/