MOSCOW — Russian-installed authorities in Crimea said on Friday they had imposed emergency measures, including fuel restrictions and power conservation efforts, after repeated Ukrainian attacks disrupted energy infrastructure and supply routes across the Black Sea peninsula.
The Russia-appointed head of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, announced a regional state of emergency, saying the measure was intended to simplify government decision-making and the handling of damage claims as the peninsula faced continuing disruptions. Officials also maintained restrictions on fuel sales, public transport and some business operations introduced earlier in the week.
Authorities said Ukrainian strikes had damaged energy facilities and logistics links, contributing to electricity shortages in parts of Crimea and creating pressure on fuel supplies. In Sevastopol, the peninsula's largest city, Russia-installed Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said emergency crews had restored service to many areas, although some districts continued to rely on reserve power sources and residents were urged to limit electricity consumption to avoid overloading the grid.
"We ask residents to use electrical appliances carefully," Razvozhayev said, according to remarks published by Russian authorities, adding that energy workers were continuing repairs under difficult conditions.
Fuel sales to private motorists remained suspended in Crimea, with supplies reserved for government agencies responsible for essential services and security, according to regional authorities. Earlier measures also included reduced public transport schedules and restrictions affecting tourism-related activities and children's summer camps. Officials attributed the steps to fuel shortages and security concerns following attacks on transport and energy infrastructure.
Ukraine has said it has targeted military, transport and energy facilities supporting Russian operations in Crimea, while Russian officials have accused Kyiv of attacking civilian infrastructure. Reuters could not independently verify battlefield claims made by either side.
Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, a move rejected by most countries and the United Nations. The peninsula has become a frequent target of long-range Ukrainian strikes as the conflict has escalated, with Kyiv saying it aims to disrupt Russian military logistics and command facilities.
As of Friday, officials said some electricity restrictions in Sevastopol had been eased, but emergency measures remained in place across Crimea. Authorities said repair work and efforts to stabilize fuel supplies were continuing, while details on when all restrictions would be lifted remained unclear.
