Russian tourists who went on vacation to Crimea were stuck there with no way to return. The fuel shortage, which has been worsening for weeks, has turned the situation on the occupied peninsula into a stalemate. Ukrainian drones systematically attack all trucks that are supposed to deliver oil and fuel to the Crimean Peninsula.
As a result, destroyed trucks, burned armored vehicles and damaged equipment pile up along the route.
On Saturday, the Ukrainian army announced that it had taken control of the airspace over routes in the occupied south of the country, including over the Melitopol-Chonhar road – and will now attack Russian equipment and logistics. “This is just the beginning,” said the Ukrainian military. The effects of drone attacks can be seen in numerous films.
It is currently very difficult for Russia to deliver equipment, ammunition and fuel via main land routes. The mood in Crimea is clear – There are more and more reports of panic buying of products from stores. Interestingly, Ukraine is returning to the strategy it used during its previous offensive, but now it is having a devastating effect.
In its analysis, “The Telegraph” recalls Ukraine's plan from three years ago. The most important points of this strategy have been retained: the isolation of Crimea and the logistic blockade of Russia. Now, however, instead of tanks and infantry, the Ukrainians are focusing primarily on drones. The unmanned aerial vehicles they developed helped change the dynamics on the battlefield to Kiev's advantage. Drones are able to strike over long distances, paralyzing the logistics of the Russian Federation.
The effects are already being felt. Gasoline and diesel oil are rationed in Crimea. There is also a shortage of everyday items.
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There are reports that basic food products such as sugar, buckwheat and pasta are being rationed. There is talk of panic buying on social media.
In local Telegram channels, people are complaining that products are disappearing from stores. “I thought it was a joke. I went to a store near my house. There was no sugar, no buckwheat. I went to others, the same story,” writes one of the residents of Sevastopol, quoted by Agenstwo (Onet's partner).
The situation is further exacerbated by new attacks on oil storage facilities in Crimea. According to Ukrainian data, the targets of the attacks were fuel warehouses in Feodosia, but also in Sevastopol, Dzhankoy and Simferopol.
It is true that the inhabitants of the Crimean Peninsula could also be supplied via the bridge across the Kerch Strait. However, since the attack in October 2022, in which a truck exploded on the bridge, tankers and oil trucks have been banned from passing. For some, it is an ironic coincidence that Vladimir Putin himself once inaugurated the construction of this prestigious project, sitting behind the wheel of a truck. Billions of rubles were spent on the construction of this bridge from the Kremlin budget.
“It's a nightmare”
For the Kremlin, the situation is doubly irritating. It is not only the supply of the Black Sea Fleet that is in question. Also for many Russians who spend their holidays in Crimea every year, the war is once again taking its toll. Tourists are stuck on the occupied peninsula and are having difficulty returning.
Complaints abound on social media that vacationers cannot leave due to lack of fuel. “It's a nightmare,” complains one Russian woman on Telegram.
From the point of view of Russian bloggers from the well-known “Zapiski Veterana” channel publishing on the Telegram platform, there is only one solution: the land corridor to Crimea must be “immediately” equipped with “protective nets or other similar technical solutions” along the entire 700 km.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
