Ukrainian Attacks Prompt Russian-Held Crimea to Halt Civilian Gasoline Sales

Crimea has suspended civilian gasoline sales as Ukrainian forces intensify attacks on fuel infrastructure in the Black Sea peninsula. Sergey Aksyonov, the Kremlin-appointed governor, announced that local gas stations would halt sales to non-state entities and individuals indefinitely. Fuel will be reserved for government agencies responsible for the region's functioning and security.

Aksyonov reported that overnight Ukrainian strikes resulted in four deaths and 28 injuries, though he did not specify the targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a Crimean oil depot and a Russian oil transport facility in the Krasnodar region were attacked. He described these actions as part of Ukraine's "long-range sanctions" against Russia's energy sector, asserting that "Russia understands only strength."

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Fuel will be sold only to government agencies that ensure the functioning and security of the Republic of Crimea. I ask everyone to remain calm and to only trust official sources of information.

This move exacerbates the worst energy crisis in Crimea since its illegal annexation by Russia in 2014. Previous shortages saw restrictions on gas sales, with motorists facing long queues and limited supplies. Social media has been flooded with requests for fuel information, and authorities established a hotline for stranded tourists. Some residents attempt to bring fuel from the mainland via the Kerch bridge, but are limited to carrying 100 liters per vehicle.

The Kremlin has acknowledged the severity of the problem and pledged swift action. Ukraine's successful strikes underscore its capacity to inflict significant damage on Russia's energy infrastructure, a notable achievement as Moscow's ground advances have recently stalled. The conflict, now in its 1,569th day, surpasses the duration of World War I.

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Russia understands only strength, and our long-range strength is certainly working for peace.