Fuel Crisis Deepens in Russia as Putin Rejects Ceasefire, Kyiv Suffers Deadly Assault

Russia and Ukraine have entered another dangerous phase of the war, with President Vladimir Putin dismissing growing fuel shortages in Russia while ordering one of the deadliest aerial assaults on Kyiv in recent months. The latest escalation comes as Ukraine intensifies its campaign against Russian oil refineries and military infrastructure, hoping to weaken Moscow's war machine.

An 11 hour drone and missile barrage struck the Ukrainian capital overnight, killing at least 21 civilians and injuring more than 90 others . Air raid sirens sounded across Kyiv as thousands of residents took shelter in metro stations. Several apartment buildings were damaged or reduced to rubble, with rescue workers searching through the debris for survivors. Ukrainian officials said more than 30 locations across the city suffered damage.

Russia claimed the attack was retaliation for Ukraine's recent long range strikes on oil refineries and energy facilities inside Russian territory. Since March, Ukraine has reportedly carried out more than 50 attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure, including facilities in occupied Crimea . The strikes have disrupted fuel production, with analysts estimating that nearly one third of Russia's refining capacity has been affected.

The impact is increasingly visible across Russia. Gasoline production has reportedly dropped by around 17 per cent , leading to fuel rationing in several regions and long queues at petrol stations. Crimea is facing some of the worst shortages, with fuel sales to private consumers suspended.

Despite the growing pressure, Putin described the shortages as "not critical" and insisted they would not affect Russia's military campaign. He pledged quicker repairs to damaged refineries, stronger air defence systems , and possible gasoline imports to ease supply problems.

Putin also rejected ceasefire proposals backed by Ukraine and its Western allies, arguing that any pause in fighting would allow Kyiv's forces to regroup. Ukraine, meanwhile, says its strikes are aimed at military and energy targets rather than civilians.

With diplomatic efforts stalled and both sides escalating attacks, the conflict is increasingly shifting beyond the front lines. Ukraine's growing drone campaign is placing unprecedented pressure on Russia's energy network, while Moscow continues to rely on large scale missile and drone strikes. With neither side showing signs of compromise, the war appears set to become even more destructive.