Ukraine blockade halts fuel sales in Russian-occupied Crimea

The worsening situation has led to panic-buying in shops, with reports of sugar shortages. Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries across Russia have contributed to widespread fuel sale restrictions, a difficulty acknowledged by Vladimir Putin.

Kyiv has stepped up its campaign targeting key bridges connecting the peninsula with other areas of occupied Ukraine. BBC Verify has identified at least six bridges targeted by Ukraine in June, including repeated attacks on the Chonhar road and rail bridges. Russia has installed temporary pontoon bridges, which have led to bottlenecks in lorries getting over, and these backlogs have in turn been targeted by Ukrainian strikes.

Videos shared on social media showed long queues at petrol stations and a complete lack of petrol. Some Russian tourists recommended bringing their own fuel. Russian-appointed authorities in Crimea have also ordered the closure of children's summer camps.

Ukraine's campaign to isolate Crimea is part of a "logistics lockdown" to disrupt Russian military supplies, using AI-enabled drones to target key motorways along the land corridor in occupied Ukraine. After Ukraine struck the Crimean bridge in 2022, the M14 highway became the main route for fuel deliveries, but this has also been targeted. This has caused the fuel crisis to expand to Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine, which are also experiencing water shortages and high fuel prices.

While Russian supply routes have not been fully cut off, analysts suggest Ukraine's targeting of key bridges poses a greater long-term threat. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated on Tuesday that the situation was challenging but under control, with the government prioritising key areas like Crimea and border regions. Moscow has already halted exports of petrol and jet fuel and is considering a total ban on diesel exports.