Resistance fighters locate hidden Russian fuel tanker storage site in occupied Crimea

Atesh resistance fighters discovered a concealed storage facility for Russian fuel tankers in Simferopol, Crimea, on August 3. The site is situated within a passenger train yard, alongside which military freight cars and locomotives were observed. The fighters reported that several fuel tankers were parked nearby, suggesting a crucial fuel logistics hub for Russian forces in the region.

The information was promptly forwarded to Ukrainian military intelligence. In July, Atesh had reported a severe fuel shortage faced by Russian military units in Crimea and Kherson Oblast, which had disrupted local air defense operations. Ukraine has targeted 15 Russian oil refineries since the beginning of the year, resulting in approximately 40% of Russia's primary refining capacity being offline as of May, according to President Zelenskyy's announcement.

Following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes, Russia imposed a ban on military truck traffic on the M-14 highway connecting Rostov to Crimea in an effort to prevent further fuel disruptions. Ukrainian military actions have caused a significant fuel shortage, with Russia's domestic gasoline production plummeting by 25% as reported by Reuters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the gasoline crisis in Crimea on June 28, stating that an export ban was instituted for the sake of domestic consumers. Russian military bloggers disputed claims of complete control over the critical M-14 highway, with the Institute for the Study of War reporting on July 20.