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

Officials in Russia-occupied Crimea announced on Sunday the suspension of civilian gasoline sales, a move prompted by a surge in Ukrainian attacks targeting fuel infrastructure on the Black Sea peninsula. Governor Sergey Aksyonov, appointed by the Kremlin, reported that overnight Ukrainian strikes resulted in four fatalities and 28 injuries, though the specific targets were not detailed.

Aksyonov later posted on social media that gas stations would cease all sales to non-state entities and individuals indefinitely. "Fuel will be sold only to government agencies that ensure the functioning and security of the Republic of Crimea," he stated, urging residents to remain calm and rely solely on official information channels.

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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.

Ukrainian forces have intensified their targeting of fuel supplies to Crimea in recent weeks, exacerbating the region's energy crisis, which is described as the most severe since Russia's illegal annexation in 2014. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a Crimean oil depot and a Russian oil transport facility in the Krasnodar region were among the targets. He characterized these strikes as part of Ukraine's "long-range sanctions" aimed at Russia's energy sector, asserting that "Russia understands only strength, and our long-range strength is certainly working for peace."

Meanwhile, Russian authorities in Krasnodar reported a drone strike that ignited a fire at an oil terminal in the village of Chushka. They also noted that Ukrainian attacks hit a ferry, causing one death. The situation has led to significant fuel shortages for motorists, with reports of long queues, restrictions on sales volumes, and some speculators selling gasoline at double the market price. Social media has been active with requests for fuel information, and authorities have set up a hotline for stranded tourists.

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