Russian summer turmoil: drone strikes on refineries cause fuel shortages and travel chaos

Russians endured a summer of turmoil in 2026 as Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries and warehouses caused fuel shortages, flight disruptions, and widespread anxiety, bringing the war home. Over 43,300 drones were intercepted from June to August, a sharp increase from 7,700 the previous year. The attacks hit oil terminals, retail hubs like Wildberries and Ozon, and closed airports, leading to long gas lines and canceled vacations. Public mood has soured, with Putin's approval rating dropping to 76% in August from 87% in September 2025, though no major unrest has emerged. The turmoil comes ahead of a Sept. 18-20 parliamentary election, the first since the full-scale invasion, with authorities removing the anti-war Yabloko party from the ballot. Persistent rumors of a new mobilization have prompted some Russians to leave, while Ukrainian officials warn of further disruptions ahead.