Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has warned that Vladimir Putin could 'jump out of a window' as a severe petrol crisis grips Russia, with drivers fighting at pumps and oligarchs losing faith in his leadership.
Fuel shortages spark violence across Russia
Multiple brawls have erupted at petrol stations nationwide as shortages worsen. In Penza, drivers joined a fight after accusations of queue-jumping. In Moscow, a woman claimed a knife-wielding man slashed her tyres for allegedly cutting in line. 'This guy just ran out, threatened me with a knife, and slashed my tyres because he thought I was cutting in front of him at the petrol station,' she said.
In Serov, Sverdlovsk Oblast, police were called after a male driver punched a woman while shouting at others. A fight also broke out in Ryazan, and in Siberia, two women argued over who was ahead in the queue.
Oligarchs doubt Putin's war
Tsahkna told RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland: 'Even among the oligarchs, more and more are doubting Putin's war. Many who spoke of victory a year ago no longer believe it.' He added: 'Putin could change his goals and enter into serious negotiations – if he acts rationally. It's just as possible that one day he'll jump out of a window with his family. After all, things like that happen in Russia.'
Ukrainian strikes cripple oil facilities
Ukrainian drone strikes on key Russian oil facilities are causing serious economic harm. Ukraine has vowed to stop the strikes if Putin halts the war, but he refuses. Ukrainian forces recently hit the Moscow refinery of oil giant Gazprom Neft. Putin conceded the strikes had caused 'problems' for motorists and businesses, but claimed fuel reserves were only 4% down on last year.
Mafia groups exploit shortage
Mafia groups have capitalised on the crisis, with police in one region intervening after a cabal resold fuel at triple its market price. The shortages have spread to all 83 Russian regions.
