The Bell, 6/29/26

The Bell is a Russian opposition outlet based outside of the country. – Natylie

Ukraine’s drone campaign against Russian oil refineries has sparked an unprecedented gasoline shortage — just at the height of the typical summer surge in demand. Huge queues at gas stations and fuel shortages have reached Moscow for the first time. Muscovites, who had been almost entirely isolated from the impact of the Ukraine invasion until recently, are again feeling the realities of living in a country at war. For a long time, Vladimir Putin was silent. But this week he appeared at four major public events, using each of them to insist that he will not back down — despite the obvious challenges — and will continue the fight.

Even Moscow runs dry

Fuel shortages are increasing due to Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. As expected, after the June 16-18 attacks on the Moscow Oil Refinery, supply issues have reached Moscow for the first time since the war began. This photo report from Meduza gives a glimpse of the fuel situation in the capital. In recent days, long lines of vehicles have formed at several gas stations. The specifics vary from company to company. Some only have the cleaner, more expensive Ai-95, while others lack both that and the cheaper and more popular Ai-92 grade. Most networks have also introduced rationing.