Ukraine reportedly launched another huge overnight attack on strategic fuel and port infrastructure on both sides of the Kerch Strait, sparking large fires and fresh disruption to Russia's military supply network. Explosions were reported overnight on Sunday (June 21) near the crucial waterway linking occupied Crimea to southern Russia, according to local residents and Telegram channels.
Massive Blaze at Oil Terminal in Kerch
Dramatic footage shared on social media appeared to show a massive blaze engulfing an oil terminal in Kerch, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky above the occupied Crimean port. The Kerch Strait is one of Moscow's most important logistics routes, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov while providing a vital supply line between Russia and occupied Crimea. Monitoring groups claimed the fire broke out at a fuel terminal operated by Crimean energy company TES, a site reportedly used to handle petroleum products and liquefied gas.
Second Fire Reported at Kavkaz Port
At the same time, another major fire was reported across the strait at Kavkaz port in Russia's Krasnodar region. The facility serves as a key logistics hub and contains both fuel storage and oil infrastructure, according to The Kyiv Independent. It remains unclear what was hit during the strikes, but both locations are considered strategically important for supporting Russian military operations. Reports also suggested a fuel truck was struck near an ATAN petrol station in the settlement of Sovietsky.
Ukraine has not officially commented on the attacks, and the full extent of the damage remains unknown.
Drone Campaign Aiming to Isolate Crimea
The strikes form part of Kyiv's expanding campaign against Russian military and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted occupied Crimea using long-range drones in an effort to disrupt supply routes and weaken Moscow's ability to sustain its war effort. The overnight operation reportedly coincided with explosions elsewhere across the peninsula, including in Simferopol, Yevpatoria and Sevastopol.
In recent months, Crimea has become a primary target for Ukraine's growing drone offensive, with Kyiv focusing on fuel depots, logistics centres and transport links deep behind Russian front lines. Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said this week that Kyiv's drone campaign is gradually turning Crimea "into an island" by severing supply chains connecting the occupied territory to mainland Russia.
Fuel Shortages Worsen in Occupied Crimea
The attacks come as Russian-installed authorities in Crimea continue to grapple with fuel shortages reportedly worsened by repeated Ukrainian strikes. At the start of the month, Russian proxy authorities implemented the use of "fuel vouchers" across occupied Crimea, as well as set limits to the amount of gasoline residents of the peninsula can purchase.
