Russia-Ukraine fighting intensifies, fueling Russian fuel shortages and civilian casualties

Russia’s air and missile strikes on Ukraine have killed civilians in Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Kyiv, including six children, and caused dozens of injuries. Ukrainian forces retaliated against Russian‑held areas in Zaporizhzhia and launched a drone attack on Samara that killed one Russian civilian. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed for faster delivery of advanced air‑defence systems, such as Patriot missiles, ahead of a NATO summit in Turkey.

In Russia, the war has worsened an existing fuel crisis. Vice‑prime minister Aleksandr Novak reported long queues at petrol stations, an 11.6% rise in gasoline prices since January, and social tension as officials receive priority fueling. Regional officials described shortages and occasional clashes among motorists.

Separately in Italy, leaders of the opposition coalition sparred over statements on the conflict. Former prime minister Giuseppe Conte suggested NATO generals were exaggerating a Russian threat to push rearmament, a remark later disputed by the U.S. general Alexus Grynkewich, who said Russia was not seeking direct confrontation. PD secretary Elly Schlein criticised Conte’s comments, while the Five Star Movement denied any intra‑coalition tension. The episode highlights the difficulty Italian parties face in forming a unified stance on Ukraine and European security.