Ukraine ‘cuts off’ Crimea from Russia, plunging it into an energy crisis

Ukraine has launched a sustained military campaign to sever Crimea's energy and fuel connections to Russia, demonstrating significant operational capability across the peninsula. The operation, designated 'Molochka' and initiated on July 6, specifically targets the Russian shadow fleet's feeder tankers that transport oil from shallow-water routes through the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait to larger vessels in the Black Sea. Ukraine's commander of unmanned forces reported that during the first ten days of operations through July 16, Ukrainian forces struck 147 tankers, with 117 concentrated in the Sea of Azov and the remainder in the Black Sea.

The campaign has effectively disrupted fuel logistics to the peninsula. By mid-July, Ukrainian commanders declared that movement through the Kerch Strait had been halted and oil unloading to Crimea reduced to minimal levels. Sergey Aksyonov, the Russian-appointed governor of Crimea, publicly acknowledged the crisis, stating that fuel distribution could not be guaranteed and shortages would persist despite subsidies approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The occupation authorities implemented emergency measures including street lighting reductions and distribution of generators and pressurised gas canisters to households.

Ukraine simultaneously targeted Crimea's electrical infrastructure, striking the Saky thermal power plant and multiple electricity substations and transmission points between July 9 and July 13. These coordinated strikes across diverse geographic locations indicated an expansion in Ukraine's long-range operational capabilities. Aksyonov announced emergency business support measures including land lease discounts and payment deferrals, acknowledging that electricity delivery schedules could not be provided.