Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Disrupts Key Russian Supply Line in Crimea A new Ukrainian drone campaign is targeting the R-280 highway, a 390-mile supply route linking southern Russia, occupied Crimea, and Ukrainian territories under Moscow’s control. The attack has severely disrupted Russian logistics, causing fuel shortages and creating a crisis in Crimea. The highway, known as “Novorossiya” or “New Russia,” serves as a critical artery for transporting fuel, food, and military equipment to Russian forces in the region. Ukrainian strikes on convoys and infrastructure have left fuel stations in Crimea operating under strict rationing, with residents describing the process of obtaining gas as akin to winning a lottery. A tutor in Sevastopol, speaking to NBC News, said she had abandoned attempts to refuel her car, citing frustration with the government-issued voucher system. “I don’t want to waste my time,” she said, highlighting the growing desperation among civilians. Russian officials have attempted to downplay the crisis, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledging “certain problems” but attributing fuel shortages to “unfounded panic-buying.” However, residents and analysts argue that the real issue lies in Russia’s inability to maintain supply lines under sustained drone attacks. Evgeniy, a transport security worker in Simferopol, noted that the scarcity of fuel is exacerbated by black-market resellers exploiting the situation. “If people didn’t try to make an extra buck by reselling gas, it wouldn’t be as bad,” he said. The R-280 highway is a strategic lifeline for Russia, serving as an alternative to the Kerch Bridge, a key supply route repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian forces. Russian-installed officials in southern Ukraine have accused Kyiv of using drones to drop mines on the highway, creating the illusion of a blockade.#russia #ukraine #crimea #sevastopol #simferopol
