Russian President Vladimir Putin said fuel shortages caused by repeated Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries are not critical. A Russian barrage on Kyiv overnight killed at least 21 people. Since March, Ukrainian forces have carried out more than 50 attacks on oil refineries and related facilities in Russia and occupied Crimea, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes have reduced Russia’s refining capacity by an estimated one‑third, according to Chris Weafer, chief executive of Macro‑Advisory. Gasoline production fell about 17% to 850,000 barrels per day, government statistics show, leading to rationing in several regions and long queues at fuel stations. Crimea has faced a halt to gasoline sales to residents. The second strike on a major Moscow‑area refinery on June 18 ignited the facility and damaged equipment that analysts estimate will require until the end of the year to repair. Putin addressed the shortage at a meeting of government officials last weekend, acknowledging a difficult period and pledging accelerated repairs, potential gasoline imports, and increased production of air‑defence systems to counter future Ukrainian attacks. He characterized the Ukrainian strikes as an effort to force negotiations on terms favorable to Ukraine, saying they have absolutely no effect on the front lines, a claim contradicted by Western military analysts who say mid‑range strikes on Russian logistics have slowed the army’s advance. Putin rejected a cease‑fire proposal, demanding Ukraine withdraw from the Donetsk region it still controls and abandon its NATO aspirations; he also dismissed a proposal to limit fighting to the four annexed regions, saying it would free Ukrainian forces for other fronts. A United Nations tally records more than 16,000 civilian deaths in the conflict. The long‑term impact of the damaged refineries and the viability of Russia’s energy supply remain unclear as the war continues.