Putin’s Visit Brings Cheaper Petrol and Freshly Fixed Roads to Siberia

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Novosibirsk this week was followed by an unusual development: petrol prices at some local filling stations reportedly dropped sharply – only to be expected to rise again once he left. Putin traveled to the Siberian city on Tuesday to visit new facilities at Novosibirsk State University.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. During his visit, petrol stations reportedly switched off price displays, while some temporarily stopped selling fuel, according to Russian outlet Vot Tak. “When the president passes through, gas prices go down, but as soon as he passes, they immediately go up by 20 rubles ($0.24),” Novosibirsk resident Kristina S. told Vot Tak. The reported drop comes as Russia faces mounting fuel shortages and soaring petrol prices, partly driven by repeated Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Fuel shortages have already forced some Russian regions to impose restrictions on motorists, while long lines have formed outside filling stations. Roads Fixed, Fuel Prices Cut for Putin Putin’s visit also triggered a security and infrastructure blitz across Novosibirsk. Officials reportedly ordered residents living along the presidential motorcade route to stay indoors and away from windows. Road closures caused major traffic jams, according to local residents. Authorities also carried out road repairs and landscaping ahead of the visit. “I wish [Putin] had just toured Russia nonstop. At least they’d fix the roads,” one resident told Vot Tak. Other Topics of Interest ‘The Best Drone Is One That Never Rises’: Germany Mulls Cyberattacks on Russian Drone Makers Marc Henrichmann, chairman of the Bundestag’s Parliamentary Control Committee, said Germany’s intelligence agencies need to be able to disrupt threats before they reach German territory. Security measures extended to Novosibirsk State University, where independent Russian outlet Verstka reported that the cafeteria and swimming pool were closed and students’ movements were restricted. Some residents were reportedly told to cover their windows, while electric scooter rentals were temporarily suspended. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.