Ukraine Strikes Cripple Crimea, Triggering State of Emergency and Fuel Rationing
Russian-appointed officials in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol have implemented a series of escalating restrictions, culminating in a state of emergency, following a sustained campaign of Ukrainian strikes targeting fuel depots, energy infrastructure, and military logistics on the peninsula.
Casualties and Attacks
On Sunday, June 11, Sergey Aksyonov, the Russia-appointed head of Crimea, reported that overnight Ukrainian strikes killed four people and wounded 28 others in Crimea. Aksyonov did not specify the exact target of this particular attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a Crimean oil depot in Kerch and an oil transport facility in Russia's Krasnodar region were among the targets. He stated that the attacks also included military logistics facilities and radar stations. Russian officials in the Krasnodar region reported that a drone strike caused a fire at a Black Sea oil terminal in the village of Chushka, and a separate attack on a ferry killed one person. Russia's Defense Ministry reported intercepting hundreds of Ukrainian drones overnight.
"The attacks also included military logistics facilities and radar stations."
— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Fuel Restrictions and Shortages
Following the June 11 attacks, Aksyonov announced a suspension of civilian gasoline sales. Fuel sales were subsequently restricted exclusively to government agencies responsible for regional security and functioning, with no end date provided.
This suspension followed an earlier fuel rationing system implemented on May 30, which limited gasoline sales to 20 liters per vehicle owner per week via prepaid coupons. Motorists have faced long queues, with some resorting to transporting fuel from mainland Russia via the Kerch Bridge or purchasing from speculators at double the market price. The Kremlin has acknowledged the supply problem and promised a resolution.
State of Emergency and Broader Restrictions
On Friday, June 23, Aksyonov declared a regionwide state of emergency in Crimea, citing economic reasons. Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev simultaneously declared a citywide state of emergency, effective until the situation improves. The declaration allows local businesses to invoke force majeure clauses, permits residents to seek compensation for electrical equipment damaged by power outages, and authorizes authorities to restrict freedom of movement.
Additional restrictions imposed since the week of June 17 include:
- Power Outages: Rolling blackouts were introduced on June 23 due to damage to power grid facilities, affecting northwestern, central, and southern coastal districts. Residents have been asked to limit energy consumption.
- Water Supply: In Sevastopol, unstable power supplies have caused water pressure problems. Authorities stated the water supply is expected to return to normal once the power grid stabilizes.
- Transport Disruptions:
- Sea passenger transport in Sevastopol Bay was suspended on Friday morning, without a specified reason.
- Restrictions were imposed on the Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea with mainland Russia, leading to over 2,000 vehicles waiting approximately five hours to cross.
- The number of daily trains to and from Russia was reduced from 14 to 7 over a two-week period. Remaining trains will terminate at Kerch-Yuzhnaya station, with passenger transport handled via bus transfers.
- Public Events and Camps: From June 24 to September 1, authorities suspended the operation of children's summer camps, including booking and admissions, citing public safety. All public events have been cancelled, and street lighting in parts of Crimea has been switched off.
"Authorities suspended the operation of children's summer camps, including booking and admissions, citing public safety."
Context
Crimea is internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory but was annexed by Russia in 2014, a move that led to international sanctions. The peninsula serves as a strategic Black Sea location and a primary logistical hub for Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Ukraine has stated that the war will not end until Crimea is restored to Ukrainian sovereignty.