In an interview with VGTRK journalist Pavel Zarubin, Vladimir Putin acknowledged that strikes on energy infrastructure are causing fuel problems in Russia. A transcript of his remarks was published on the Kremlin website.
According to Putin, Russia is currently experiencing a certain fuel shortage, though he described it as not critical.
"This is obvious. We are now observing a certain shortage, but it is not critical," Putin said.
He said the authorities now have several tasks to address. As a first measure, Putin called for a rapid and substantial increase in production of the most in-demand air defense systems in order to protect the relevant facilities.
He also said that, to normalize supply and eliminate the temporary shortage, Russia must complete repairs faster, arrange the necessary volume of imports, and ensure reliable protection for those sites.
Putin separately commented on the situation in Crimea. He said the peninsula has fuel reserves for several days, but that demand would be met, with deliveries set to increase by land and by sea.
He also said that strikes on civilian infrastructure are intended not only to inflict direct damage, but also to serve as part of an information confrontation.
Putin said such actions are aimed at creating insecurity in Russia, provoking division within society, and trying to force a pause in the Russian military offensive in order to begin negotiations on terms favorable to Ukraine. He said the Russian authorities "will not give them such a chance."