Petrol lines in Moscow, Flag Day patriotism: a war‑torn city
Svyatoslav stands in his car at a southeastern Moscow petrol station, waiting for two hours while the board reads “No fuel.” He says he will try again later, hoping the situation will improve.
Unscheduled repairs at oil refineries caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian facilities have put long queues around the city. Officials attribute the crisis to damage at refineries, but the shortages return with greater intensity.
Authorities have begun importing lighter gasoline such as Euro‑2 to ease the shortage, though it carries risks for modern engines. “It won’t destroy a car on a single refuel, but it reduces safety margins,” a government newspaper warned.
Despite the logistics nightmare, patriotic displays on Flag Day banners and fireworks are in full swing. From candyfloss stalls to youth holding small rocket launchers, Russians float their flag high above the war‑laden air.
Psychologists note a growing anxiety in the population, with residents remembering underground drones and civil life wobbling. “We do not have confidence that we can influence the larger picture,” one resident says, while others rely on the flag to hold onto hope.
