Russia’s War-Economy Frays as Fuel Shortages Intensify

Putin touts a modest 1% GDP growth while Ukraine’s long-range strikes and external pressure expose Russia’s economic strain, as gasoline shortages widen across Russia and Moscow stations run low on high-octane fuel. The Kremlin deploys Rosgvardia to gas stations and seeks expanded emergency powers to curb unrest ahead of the September Duma elections. Ukraine strikes key Russian energy and defense sites, including the Ufa oil refining hub and the Progress Space Launch Center in Samara, as both sides maintain limited offensives amid ongoing civilian harm.