Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that Russia and Ukraine must directly reach an agreement on peace, downplaying the role of other nations in mediating a deal. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin acknowledged that while countries like the U.S. and China were willing to assist, the primary responsibility for resolving the conflict lies with the involved parties. He maintained there is a "chance" for peace.
Putin also admitted that Russia was mistaken in assuming its oil refineries would not be targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes. These attacks have significantly impacted Russia's refining output, pushing it to its lowest level in two decades and causing a severe fuel crisis. Gasoline production covered only about 70% of domestic demand by the end of August, leading to a shortfall of approximately 30,000 tons per day and forcing Russia to import gasoline from countries such as India, Morocco, and Turkey, as well as increased purchases from Belarus.
The widespread fuel shortages have resulted in restrictions on fuel sales in at least 17 Russian regions, including limits of 30-40 liters per vehicle and "odd-even" systems. These issues, alongside increased drone activity over Russia, have contributed to a summer of turmoil, raising public awareness of the war's impact at home. Despite these challenges and a reported decrease in his approval rating from 87% in September 2025 to 76% in August, Putin dismissed the country's ballooning budget deficit, which grew by 40% from January to July to 2.8% of GDP, as not posing a "critical risk" to the economy.
