Ukrainian Strikes on Crimea Kill Four and Halt Fuel Sales
Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian-annexed Crimea killed four civilians, wounded 28 others, prompted suspension of fuel sales to the public and caused power outages, according to Moscow-backed authorities. Ukraine strikes also extended to an oil terminal in Russia’s Krasnodar region and left parts of the peninsula without electricity.
Casualties and Immediate Impact in Crimea
Russia-backed Crimea Governor Sergey Aksyonov reported four killed and 28 wounded from the drone attack on the Kerch peninsula. [1] The governor described the outcome of the enemy’s drone attack on the Kerch peninsula as resulting in casualties among the civilian population. [1] According to the latest information provided by Aksyonov, four people were killed and 28 were wounded. [1] The same official later stated on social media that fuel sales at Crimean petrol stations would be suspended starting from 09:00 am on June 21 and limited to state enterprises only. [1] The suspension applies to all sales to non-state enterprises and private individuals for an indefinite period, with fuel reserved solely for government bodies ensuring the functioning and security of the Republic of Crimea. [2] Aksyonov urged residents to remain calm and rely only on official sources of information. [2]
Targets Hit by Ukrainian Forces
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the strikes targeted military logistics, oil industry, air defense, the Crimean Bridge, radar and air defense systems as a response to Russian attacks. [1] Zelenskyy described the actions as long-range sanctions against the occupiers’ military logistics, oil industry and air defense. [1] He noted that Ukrainian forces also struck the Crimean Bridge connecting the peninsula to Russia as well as radar and air defense systems. [1] The president added that all of this constituted a just response to Russia’s brutal attacks against the Ukrainian people. [1] Zelenskyy further emphasized that Russia only understands force and that Ukraine’s long-range force is working for peace. [2]
Disruptions to Power, Transport and Fuel Supply
The strikes also hit an oil terminal in Russia’s Krasnodar region, killed one on a ferry, and left parts of Crimea without power according to utility Krymenergo. [1] Local utilities company Krymenergo reported that part of the Crimean peninsula was left without power after the attacks. [1] The company informed that electricity had been suspended partially due to damage to the network in the center, south and northwest of the peninsula, which also caused interruptions in the supply of running water. [2] Authorities in the Krasnodar region stated that the mass raid killed one person on a ferry and hit an oil terminal. [1] Local authorities responding to Moscow also suspended car and train traffic on the Crimean Bridge and halted maritime transport in the Kerch Strait. [2]
Context of Ukraine's Long-Range Campaign
Overnight Russian strikes in eastern Ukraine killed three people, while Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks on Russian energy facilities to reduce oil revenues funding the war. [1] After upgrading its long-range drone capabilities, Kyiv now states it can strike at will along the land corridor through occupied southeastern Ukraine that Russia uses to supply Crimea and its forces stationed there. [1] Ukraine has in recent months also stepped up drone attacks on energy facilities in Russia, striking targets deep behind the front lines. [1] Earlier this week, it hit a large refinery in Moscow twice. [1] Ukraine says the attacks are aimed at denting oil revenues that Russia uses to fund the war. [1] Some petrol stations in Russia introduced fuel rationing this month, and fuel exports have been banned since April. [1] Energy Intelligence stated earlier this month that about a third of Russian oil refining capacity had gone offline because of Ukrainian strikes. [1] The governor of Crimea had already restricted fuel sales in May to 20 liters weekly per vehicle through a system of prepaid coupons, but those cards were exhausted immediately and motorists queued for hours. [2]
Reciprocal Russian Strikes and Broader Stalemate
Separately, overnight Russian strikes in eastern Ukraine killed three people. [1] Talks on ending Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II remain frozen, while fighting on the front line is effectively at a standstill. [1] Ukraine calls its retaliatory attacks on Russia and occupied territories long-range sanctions and denies targeting civilians. [1] The ongoing campaign has aggravated the isolation of the annexed region from the rest of the Russian mainland. [2]
What to watch next: Ukrainian forces are expected to continue targeting the land corridor and energy infrastructure used to supply Crimea, while Russian strikes in eastern Ukraine may persist amid the frozen state of peace talks.
