Crimea Halts Public Fuel Sales as Ukraine Targets Kerch Oil Depot
Occupied Crimea has halted public access to petrol stations, with fuel now exclusively reserved for governmental and security operations, according to Governor Sergey Aksyonov. This stringent rationing follows a series of Ukrainian assaults on the peninsula's supply routes and oil facilities, intensifying logistical difficulties in the region.
Aksyonov reported a Ukrainian drone attack on an oil depot in Kerch resulted in four fatalities and 28 injuries overnight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterised the strike as a “just response to Russia’s brutal attacks.” Kyiv also claims to have targeted a logistics facility for oil transportation in Russia’s Krasnodar region, with local authorities reporting one casualty on a passenger ferry.
Ukraine’s strategy involves crippling Russia’s war revenue by disrupting fuel exports and undermining its war efforts to pressure President Vladimir Putin into negotiations. However, Putin has shown no indication of readiness for dialogue, having rejected Zelensky’s request for direct talks earlier in June. This escalation coincides with Ukraine's growing long-range drone capabilities, which are now being shared with international allies.
The restriction in Crimea, a strategically vital area for Moscow’s military operations and a popular holiday destination for Russians, highlights the severe impact of Ukraine’s sustained campaign. The measure comes as both sides have escalated attacks, with little progress towards a ceasefire four years into the conflict.
