Ukrainian attacks prompt Russian-held Crimea to halt civilian gasoline sales
Authorities Crimea occupied by Russia Civilian gasoline sales suspended on Sunday Ukraine escalates attacks on fuel supplies In the Black Sea peninsula.
Governor Sergey Aksyonov, who was appointed as the head of Crimea by the Kremlin, said that four people were killed and 28 people were injured in the attacks carried out by Ukraine throughout the night. He did not specify the target of the attack.
He later wrote on social media that local gas stations would halt all sales to out-of-state companies and individuals for an indefinite period.
“The fuel will be sold only to state institutions that ensure the functioning and security of the Republic of Crimea,” Aksyonov said. “I ask everyone to remain calm and trust only official sources of information.”
Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted fuel supplies to Crimea in recent weeks, triggering the region’s worst energy crisis since its illegal annexation by Russia in 2014.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that an oil depot in Crimea was among the targets, as well as an oil transportation facility in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region. He described the attacks as part of Ukraine’s “long-term sanctions” against Russia’s energy infrastructure.
“Russia understands only strength, and our long-term strength is strictly working for peace,” he wrote.
Russian officials in Krasnodar reported early Sunday that a drone attack caused a fire at the Black Sea oil terminal in the village of Chushka. They said Ukrainian attacks hit a ferry, killing one person.
Drivers have difficulty finding fuel
The Crimean peninsula has previously experienced periodic fuel shortages due to Ukraine’s attacks, but the current crisis is the worst since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
At the end of May, authorities limited gas sales to 20 liters (5 1/3 gallons) per vehicle owner per week, using prepaid coupons. These were pulled immediately after they were posted on an official messaging app channel, leaving drivers queuing for hours to refuel.
Social networks were flooded with requests and advice on where fuel could be found, and authorities launched a hotline for tourists who found themselves stranded.
Some drivers bring their own gas from Krasnodar and elsewhere via the Kerch bridge, but they are limited to carrying 100 liters (about 26 1/2 gallons) per vehicle. Some speculators sell gas at twice the market price.
Realizing the magnitude of the problem, the Kremlin promised to resolve it quickly.
But, Ukraine’s achievements They have highlighted its ability to inflict painful damage on Russia and turn the tide of the conflict as Moscow’s advance has recently come to a near halt. On June 11, Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine reached its 1,569th day, surpassing the duration of the First World War.
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