Vladimir Putin faces domestic pressure as Ukraine targets Russian oil refineries and critical infrastructure with drones.
Vladimir Putin is facing increased domestic pressure as Ukraine shifts the focus of the war onto Russian territory. Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted critical infrastructure, specifically damaging oil refineries across the country.
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These strikes have impacted the oil and gas industry, which serves as the backbone of the Russian economy. Ukraine has struck refineries such as Bashneft-Novoil and Slavneft-Yanos, as well as facilities in Novoshakhtinsk, Afipsky, Volgograd, Ryazan, and Moscow. The resulting crisis has forced Russia to seek international assistance, with Kazakhstan beginning to import Russian crude oil for refining before returning 70 percent of it to Russia. Public support for Vladimir Putin is declining, with approval ratings dropping from 87 percent to 76 percent since last September. Russia is preparing for State Duma elections in September, which are the first since the invasion began. While the United Russia party is expected to win, the government may face challenges regarding a potential mass mobilization of fighting-age men. Western officials estimate Russia is losing approximately 6,000 troops per week.