SEVASTOPOL, Crimea — Ukrainian forces struck fuel supplies and logistics routes in Russian-held Crimea, triggering shortages and rationing on the peninsula, officials from both sides said on Friday.
The strikes targeted oil depots, tanker trucks and supply corridors linking Crimea to mainland Russia, leading to long lines at petrol stations and limits on fuel purchases, according to witnesses and local authorities.
Russian-installed officials in Crimea reported implementing rationing measures, with purchases restricted to about 20 liters per vehicle using QR codes at many stations. Some outlets ran dry, Reuters witnesses said.
Ukrainian officials confirmed operations against fuel infrastructure, including depots near Feodosia and in the Hvardiiske area, as part of efforts to disrupt Russian logistics in the ongoing conflict.
The disruptions follow repeated Ukrainian drone attacks on highways, such as the Novorossiya route, and bridges connecting occupied Kherson Oblast to Crimea. Russian officials acknowledged damage to supply lines but said measures were being taken to restore deliveries.
Crimean occupation head Sergei Aksyonov stated that authorities introduced limits on popular gasoline grades to manage supplies. "We are working to stabilize the situation," he said in a statement.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted fuel supply challenges in Crimea but attributed part of the issue to panic buying, adding that relevant ministries were addressing it.
Residents reported queues at gas stations in cities including Sevastopol and Yevpatoriya, with some turning to alternative transport or traveling across the Kerch Strait Bridge for fuel. Details on the full extent of shortages and impacts on local residents and military operations remained unclear.
The peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014, has faced increased pressure from Ukrainian strikes on energy and transport infrastructure. Russian officials described the attacks as attempts to disrupt civilian and military supplies, while Ukrainian sources said the operations target logistical support for Russian forces.
No immediate casualty figures were released by either side in connection with the latest strikes. Russian authorities reported fires at some facilities that were contained.
As of Friday, fuel rationing continued in affected areas, with officials on both sides indicating ongoing efforts to manage logistics. Further updates on supply restoration are expected in the coming days.
