Cars queue at a Rosneft gas station in Moscow on June 29, 2026.Contributor/Getty Images

Russia to import gasoline as Ukrainian strikes force Putin to use reserves – POLITICO

by · POLITICO

The Kremlin confirmed Tuesday that Russia is in talks to import gasoline from abroad, an extraordinary step for one of the world's largest oil exporters, as Ukrainian drone strikes continue to disrupt the country.

This acknowledgment marks the clearest sign yet that Moscow is struggling to stabilize its domestic fuel market after months of Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries and energy infrastructure.

"Discussions are actively being held," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that imports would proceed if agreements could be reached "at acceptable price points." He declined to identify the countries involved.