Ukrainian Drone Strikes Cripple Crimea’s Power Grid and Spark Nationwide Fuel Restrictions

On 23–24 June 2026 Ukrainian drones struck Crimea, collapsing a rail bridge over the North Crimean Canal near Rozdolne, damaging the Sevastopol power substation and an oil depot at the Kerch plant. Ukrainian drone forces commander Robert Brovdi confirmed the substation hit. Drone debris also hit an industrial site in Nizhny Novgorod, killing two.

Reuters

President Vladimir Putin said the drone wave aims to destabilise Russian society and called for measures. Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev ordered early closure of transport and cafés, banned night rides and urged parents to keep children home. Governor Gleb Nikitin reported the two deaths in Nizhny Novgorod. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced fuel reserves would be used and a diesel-export ban considered. The Ministry of Defence reported 323 drones shot down.

The Guardian

At least 15 Russian regions imposed gasoline or diesel sales limits on 23 June, citing potential shortages. The Moscow refinery, supplying roughly 40 % of the capital’s fuel market, was halted by a drone strike earlier in the week. Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries have doubled since early 2026, pushing gasoline prices higher and widening fuel scarcities.

Kyiv Independent

Russian officials claim the fuel-sale limits prevent an “artificial” shortage, yet analysts link the timing to intensified drone attacks. The Crimean energy supplier blamed power loss on “technical malfunctions,” while Ukrainian officials attribute it to the substation strike. Russian authorities cite “logistical issues” for restrictions, but casualty figures from the attacks remain unverified.

The Guardian

Power outages left parts of Crimea without electricity on 24 June. Sevastopol’s trolleybuses stopped, street lighting was dimmed, and authorities urged parents to keep children at home. Public transport and large retail outlets closed early, and petrol stations were barred from selling fuel to non-government users, deepening local inconvenience.

South China Morning Post

Targeting energy facilities that fund the Russian war effort seeks to erode Moscow’s financial base and raise domestic pressure. The attacks have amplified fuel shortages and disrupted daily life across a wide area. Russian authorities have signalled further measures to offset the strikes, while Ukrainian forces continue long-range drone operations, making power restoration and fuel-sale policies key indicators of the conflict’s trajectory.

Reuters

• “Ukrainian drones “coming in a huge stream” were meant to “destabilise” society, disrupting energy supplies and tourism, said the Russian president.” — Vladimir Putin, President of Russia

The Guardian

• “We are using reserves that were not previously tapped, and are also encouraging increased supplies of additional volumes to the domestic market.” — Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia

The Guardian

• “trying to deprive us of our normal living conditions and sow panic,” — Mikhail Razvozhayev, Governor of Sevastopol

Reuters

• “On Wednesday he said the latest wave had downed power supplies and that trolleybuses would not operate and parents should keep children at home.” — Mikhail Razvozhayev, Governor of Sevastopol

Reuters