Russia Struggles to Sustain Fuel Supply to Occupied Crimea Due to Ukrainian Strikes

Russia continues to transport fuel to Crimea through the Kerch Bridge, but Ukrainian strikes have significantly reduced the frequency of deliveries. The partisan movement ATESH has reported a noticeable decline in fuel transport over recent weeks. This reduction is the result of effective and sustained strikes by Ukrainian Defence Forces on Russian oil refineries and fuel bases. Each attack further weakens Russia’s economic and military capabilities, creating serious difficulties for the supply chains that support its war effort.

The Kerch Bridge remains a key logistical route for Russian forces, facilitating the transfer of fuel, military equipment, ammunition, and troops into Crimea and southern Ukraine. ATESH has highlighted that the destruction of this bridge would deliver a significant blow to Russia’s military operations, disrupting its logistics and accelerating the liberation of occupied Ukrainian territories. The Ukrainian military and intelligence services continue to monitor and target Russian supply lines, recognising their strategic importance.

Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian territory, particularly targeting critical oil refineries. A recent attack in the Krasnodar Krai region resulted in a fire at an oil depot near the Kanev district. The facility, which processes up to 320,000 tons of oil annually, sustained damage that further strains Russia’s ability to maintain its military supply lines. These operations are part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to undermine Russian military logistics and economic resilience.

In response to these escalating attacks, Russian military command has started withdrawing some of its anti-aircraft missile units from occupied Crimea back to Russian territory. These units are being repositioned to bolster the defence of key Russian refineries and fuel depots, indicating growing concern over Ukraine’s successful strikes. The redeployment of these defences exposes vulnerabilities in Russia’s occupation strategy and suggests that Ukrainian pressure is forcing Moscow to reallocate resources.