
Fuel Shortages Cause Su-57 Engine Fire at Russian Airfield
A Russian Su-57 stealth fighter suffered a catastrophic engine fire at Akhtubinsk airfield on October 29, according to Ukrainian intelligence. The incident is attributed to poor-quality imported jet fuel, a direct consequence of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries that have forced Moscow to rely on foreign fuel. This marks the latest in a series of 2026 setbacks for Russia’s most advanced aircraft, which has also been hit by drones and lost in friendly fire incidents. The fuel crisis has escalated, with Russia banning aviation fuel exports and facing domestic shortages, while Ukraine continues to target refining capacity to degrade Russian military logistics.

