Saturday, June 20, 2026, a Ukrainian soldier practices military skills near the frontline in Zaporizhzhia. These exercises relate to escalating tensions around Crimea.
Officials in Russia-occupied Crimea ceased civilian gasoline sales. Ukraine intensified its attacks on the fuel supplies on the Black Sea peninsula. Sergey Aksyonov, Crimea’s Kremlin-appointed leader, reported that Ukrainian strikes overnight killed four and injured 28.
Though the strike’s target was undisclosed, Aksyonov announced a halt on local gas sales to non-state entities. Only government bodies aiding Crimea’s operation and security can purchase fuel. He urged public calm and reliance on official information.
Ukraine has routinely targeted Crimea’s fuel supplies recently, sparking its worst energy crisis since Russia’s annexation in 2014. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted recent attacks on a Crimean depot and Russian oil facility in Krasnodar. He labeled these as Ukraine’s “long-range sanctions” on Russian energy.
“Russia understands only strength, and our long-range strength is certainly working for peace,” Zelenskyy stated.
In Krasnodar, Russian officials confirmed a drone strike instigated a fire at Chushka’s oil terminal. Ukrainian attacks reportedly hit a ferry, causing one death.
Motorists Struggle Amid Crisis
Crimea faces severe fuel shortages resulting from Ukrainian strikes. Authorities previously limited gas sales to 20 liters per vehicle weekly via coupons, swiftly bought up via official messaging app channels.
Motorists have queued for hours for fuel, with social networks booming with queries and tips on gas availability. A hotline was launched for tourists stranded without fuel. Motorists from Krasnodar convey limited fuel over the Kerch bridge, restricted to 100 liters per vehicle.
Speculators profit by selling gas at double the normal price. The Kremlin has openly recognized the scale of this issue and promised prompt action. Yet Ukraine’s strategic successes emphasize its capacity to disrupt Russia’s energy resources and affect the conflict’s trajectory.
On June 11, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marked its 1,569th day, surpassing World War I’s length.
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