Ukraine squeezes Crimea with new drones, forcing fuel sales to stop

Crimea's Russian-appointed governor, Sergei Aksyonov, announced that the peninsula will halt public fuel sales, reserving supplies only for government agencies that ensure the region's functioning and security. The move follows weeks of tightened access, when fuel was rationed to 5.2-gallon portions and new coupons for those rations were suspended.

Ukrainian mid-range drones — fixed-wing systems designed to fly 30 to 300 km — have struck highways, bridges, and ports linking Crimea to the mainland. Authorities reported attacks on the Kerch Strait and an oil depot there; local officials said at least five people were killed, and the Russian defense ministry said it shot down 239 Ukrainian drones overnight.

In Sevastopol, local officials introduced an evening curfew for public transport, retail, and food services and ordered street lighting turned off for two days, citing the need to quickly adjust logistics. Sea ferry services that had been used after bridge damage were also suspended following the strikes.

crimea, sevastopol, kerch strait, sergei aksyonov, fuel sales, fuel rationing, ukrainian drones, mid-range drones, oil depot, ferry services