Russia's fuel crisis intensifies as Ukraine steps up strikes on occupied territories

Russia's fuel crisis intensifies as Ukraine steps up strikes on occupied territories37 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleVitaly ShevchenkoKyivReutersLocals are only able to buy 20 litres of fuel at most petrol stations in Russian-occupied CrimeaUkraine's sustained campaign of drone attacks on Russian-occupied territories is disrupting Moscow's supply lines and intensifying a fuel crisis already triggered by long-range strikes on Russia's oil refineries.Crimea - which Russia illegally annexed in 2014 - in particular has been experiencing serious logistical difficulties and shortages.Many of the issues stem from recent Ukrainian strikes on a key motorway and bridge linking the southern Russian city of Rostov to Crimea via the occupied port city of Mariupol.The road "is basically the backbone of Russian occupation in the south", Clément Molin, an analyst at the French-based think tank Atum Mundi, told the BBC.Molin said that Ukraine had carried out 300 drone strikes on trucks, including 30 tankers, since the start of May and that the campaign had become more intense this month.The operation is having tangible effects on Crimea. The peninsula is strategically important for Moscow, as it has been used by its forces to launch drones and missiles at the rest of Ukraine.With its Mediterranean climate and long beaches, Crimea is also a popular holiday destination for Russians in the summer.Steve Rosenberg: Russia's economic forum overshadowed by drone attacks on St PetersburgFrom AI to interceptors, Ukraine is trying to drone-proof its skiesUkraine strikes cargo ships and admits Romania drone blastDisgruntled tourists and locals have taken to social media to vent about the disruption to fuel supplies.Videos show long lines at petrol stations across the region, and residents have said they routinely have to queue for up to 10 hours for fuel."I walk to work now. Of course, this is less convenient than driving, but not a huge...