Stories

Mon, 08 Jun 2026

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 Russia's fuel crisis intensifies as Ukraine steps up strikes on occupied territories

Kyiv has made it difficult for Moscow to provide military and civilian supplies to the territories it occupies.

* Ukraine's sustained campaign of drone attacks on Russian-occupied territories has disrupted Moscow's supply lines and intensified a fuel crisis.
* Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, is experiencing serious logistical difficulties and shortages due to the attacks.
* Many issues stem from recent Ukrainian strikes on a key motorway and bridge linking Rostov to Crimea via Mariupol.
* Ukraine has carried out over 300 drone strikes on trucks since May, with a significant decrease (71%) in military cargo traffic on the road between late May and early June.
* The operation is having tangible effects on Crimea, including long lines at petrol stations and residents queueing for up to 10 hours for fuel.
* Russian tourists who arrived before the crisis are struggling to find fuel to leave, with local authorities launching a special hotline to assist them.
* Petrol and diesel prices have skyrocketed due to shortages, with prepaid vouchers limiting locals to only 20 litres of fuel per purchase.
* Ukraine's long-range strikes against oil refineries and depots in Russia have also contributed to the crisis, disabling nearly 40% of Russia's primary oil refining capacity in May.