Ukrainian drone strikes set a major oil refinery ablaze in southern Russia and killed at least two people, according to local officials, as President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the country faces a fuel shortage and a “difficult period.” The attacks, which Ukraine says are meant to cut revenue for its five‑year war, have choked Russian fuel supplies and prompted rationing. Speaking to state media, Putin blamed the strikes on an effort to disrupt Russian society and military advances, but asserted Moscow would still fulfill its social commitments to citizens. He also pledged to boost air‑defense production, import more fuel, and speed repairs at damaged oil facilities to address the temporary deficit. The refinery hit is a key source of exports through Black Sea ports.