Fuel rationing has been introduced in Siberia's Irkutsk region, with drivers facing a 50-litre limit per vehicle at state-run Rosneft petrol stations. This move by Governor Igor Kobzev underscores the deepening fuel shortages across Russia, attributed to Ukrainian retaliatory strikes on the country's energy infrastructure by President Vladimir Putin.
As tensions persist, Mr Putin has signalled his readiness to continue discussions with US administration representatives, citing an agreement with Iran as a prerequisite for US negotiators arriving in Moscow. This follows comments from Donald Trump at the G7 summit suggesting Russia should "make a deal with Ukraine," and recent praise from the US President for Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy's performance in the war.
The conflict continues to escalate, with Ukrainian forces successfully targeting two oil refineries inside Russia over the weekend. A drone strike reportedly sparked a fire at a refinery in Slavyansk-na-Kubani, Krasnodar region, resulting in one fatality and an injury. President Zelenskyy also claimed a refinery in the Yaroslavl region, approximately 700km from the Ukrainian border, was hit.
The ongoing conflict is taking its toll on both sides. In Ukraine, a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia killed two people and injured 16, including two children, according to regional administration head Ivan Fedorov. Conversely, in Russia's Belgorod region, Ukrainian drone strikes led to one death and one injury. The Russian Defence Ministry reported intercepting 213 Ukrainian drones overnight across various regions.
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has indicated that Moscow is reviewing existing fuel export agreements to safeguard domestic needs amidst the spreading shortages. This suggests a potential shift in Russia's energy export strategy, with broader implications for global energy markets, although the immediate focus remains on addressing internal supply issues exacerbated by the conflict.
The Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Russia due to the war in Ukraine and the unpredictable security situation. British nationals resident in Russia should register with the UK government's travel advisory service and stay informed about local developments.