Ukraine hits Crimea refineries & pipelines, sparks worst fuel crisis

Kyiv: Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries, depots and pipelines have disrupted fuel supplies to Crimea, causing the worst fuel crisis on the Russian-held peninsula since its illegal annexation in 2014. 

Tanker trucks were attacked and set ablaze along the land corridor from Russia to Crimea, leaving motorists queuing for hours at gas stations.

The strikes underline the growing intensity and efficiency of Ukraine’s drone operations, catching Moscow off-guard. As Russia marks its national holiday, gas shortages threaten to disrupt the tourism-dependent region, affecting beaches and resorts.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the crisis and promised swift action. Ukrainian attacks on fuel shipments, the Kerch Bridge and the Chonhar Bridge have hampered the movement of troops, ammunition and fuel. With nearly 80% of hotel bookings cancelled, Crimea faces its most severe energy and tourism blow since 2014.

—AP