Estonian minister says Russian leader faces internal threats over fuel shortages

An Estonian foreign minister stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin and his family could face personal danger as fuel shortages spread across Russia. The remarks came after Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure produced the worst fuel crisis in decades.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna made the comments in an interview with RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland. He said support for the war is declining among oligarchs and that some who spoke of victory a year ago no longer believe it.

Fuel shortages and strikes Ukraine has conducted more than 194 drone attacks on Russian territory since the start of the year, an 11-fold increase from the same period in 2025, according to Rochan Consulting. Strikes hit oil refineries in the regions of Krasnodar and Yaroslavl, causing power outages and long queues at petrol stations.

More than half of Russia has imposed fuel limits. Crimea declared an emergency situation and urged residents to limit energy use.

Russian response Russian leader Vladimir Putin acknowledged problems in a speech to the United Russia party congress. He said officials are responding to the challenges and considering a complete ban on diesel exports. A task force on fuel supplies is working around the clock, he added.

Tsahkna said Putin could change goals and enter negotiations if he acts rationally, or that he and his family might face internal threats. "Even among the oligarchs, more and more are doubting Putin's war," Tsahkna said.