Vladimir Putin has made a rare admission that Russia is experiencing 'problems' in the war with Ukraine, following extensive cross-border drone strikes on Sunday that hit multiple oil refineries and a weapons plant. Speaking at the congress of United Russia, Putin acknowledged the challenges, saying: 'Yes, we see the problems, we are aware of them and are responding to them, but we will certainly ensure the security of both the country and our citizens, as well as the inviolability of Russia’s borders.'
Escalation in Aerial Warfare
The admission came after a significant escalation in aerial warfare between Moscow and Kyiv. Ukraine was hit with waves of ballistic missiles before launching extensive retaliatory drone strikes. The Russian defence ministry reported intercepting 213 drones during the attack on Sunday. Ukrainian drone strikes caused a fatality in the Krasnodar region, where governor Veniamin Kondratyev confirmed one person killed and damage to several houses, a power line, and a gas pipe. An oil refinery in the Yaroslavl region, east of Moscow, was also struck.
Ukrainian President's Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the strikes, stating: 'We continue our operations that weaken Russia’s ability to wage this war. The Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region was hit – about 300km (190 miles) from the frontline. We also reached a refinery in the Yaroslavl region, approximately 700km (430 miles) from our border.' He added: 'We will continue to respond to Russian terror. I thank our warriors for these results.'
Casualties and Stalemate
Recent figures indicate that Moscow is suffering around 30,000 casualties a month, while fighting on the front line has reached a period of stalemate. Meanwhile, 36 injuries were reported across Ukraine in the Russian ballistic missile strikes on Sunday morning, including two civilians in Kyiv. Ukrainian drone attacks have also sparked fuel shortages across parts of Russia, with Putin noting that a task force was working to ensure sufficient supplies throughout the country.
