Ukraine drone strikes in Crimea disrupt fuel supply, Zelensky claims long-range operations

Kyiv reports attacks on oil logistics and military infrastructure, while Moscow-appointed authorities confirm casualties and fuel shortages

Ukraine drone strikes in Crimea have targeted energy infrastructure and military assets, leaving parts of the peninsula facing fuel shortages, according to statements from both Ukrainian and Russian sources.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the operation as part of what he called “long-range sanctions,” stating that the strikes were aimed at military logistics, the oil industry and air defense systems. In a post on X, Zelensky thanked several Ukrainian military units, including the Security Service, unmanned systems forces, defense intelligence and special operations units, saying the actions were carried out at a distance of roughly 300 kilometers from the front line.

He said Ukrainian forces struck infrastructure on both sides of the Kerch Bridge, including maritime logistics used to transport oil into the Krasnodar region, as well as an oil depot in Kerch. Zelensky also claimed hits on military logistical facilities, four radar stations equipped with S-400 systems and two Pantsir air defense systems, describing the operations as part of a strategy to exert pressure on Russia through long-range capabilities.

Russian-installed authorities in Crimea provided a different account of the aftermath. Sergey Aksyonov, the Moscow-appointed head of the peninsula, said at least four people were killed and 28 injured in the attacks. He also announced restrictions on fuel sales to civilians, following what he described as damage to energy infrastructure.

Regional authorities additionally reported the temporary closure of the Kerch Bridge, which connects Crimea with mainland Russia, during the night. The port of Kavkaz, on the Russian side of the Kerch Strait, was also reportedly hit, an area that includes fuel terminals and oil storage facilities.

Separate from the Crimea operation, the Ukrainian military said it had struck the Antipinsky oil refinery in the Tyumen region of Russia, more than 2,000 kilometers from the border. The claim was reported by Ukrinform, citing the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff.

According to the statement, Ukrainian defense units hit the Tyumen refinery on June 20, with damage assessments still ongoing. The refinery is described as one of the largest in western Siberia, with an annual capacity of approximately 7.5 to 9 million metric tons of crude oil, producing diesel, gasoline and other petroleum products, including supplies for the Russian military.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)