Putin Makes Rare Admission About Russia's 'Problems' In Ukraine

Vladimir Putin has admitted he is facing “problems” in Ukraine after a recent spate of drone attacks on Russia.

Kyiv’s retaliatory, long-range strikes on energy infrastructure in the heart of Russia have intensified recently while fighting on the frontline remains deadlocked.

Ukraine targeted the Slavyansk-on-Kuban oil refinery on Sunday, which is one of the largest in Russia and provides fuel for domestic and international use.

The consistent strikes have caused rolling blackouts in the Russian-occupied peninsula of Crimea and fuel shortages in other parts of the country.

This setback is humiliating for Putin as Russia is one of the world’s largest oil producers.

Speaking at a congress of his ruling party, United Russia, Putin said: “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.”

He added: “We will undoubtedly overcome all the challenges facing us today, including terrorist attacks on our territory and infrastructure facilities.” 

The president has – until now – refused to publicly acknowledge any issues with his illegal invasion even as the number of Russian casualties mount after more than four years of war.

UK intelligence agency GCHQ estimated last month that almost 500,000 Russian soldiers had been killed since Putin launched the invasion back in 2022.

Russian forces currently hold around a fifth of Ukraine’s sovereign land, but much of that territory was seized in the first six months of the war.

Even so, the Kremlin has refused to compromise at all in any US-brokered peace negotiations and even demanded Ukraine cede more territory – a firm red line for Kyiv.

There’s widespread speculation that Putin’s authority in Russia is fading as the war continues to be a drain on domestic resources with no clear victory on the horizon.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also acknowledged his recent successes with the long-range strikes, saying: “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 from the frontline.

“We also reached a refinery in the Yaroslavl region, approximately 700km from our border.

“We will continue to respond to Russian terror. I thank our warriors for these results. I am grateful to everyone who helps us.”

Even Donald Trump, often accused of siding with Putin during his attempts to end the war, praised Zelenskyy’s efforts last week.

He said: “Zelenskyy is doing pretty well. No matter how you look at it, he’s holding his own at least.

“A lot of people dying on both sides, but I think he’s doing pretty well. You have to say he’s courageous, he’s got great equipment, he’s got great men, he’s got fighters.”

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