Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russia's fuel supply network, with 14 new strikes on vessels today alone.

The attacks have destroyed 49 ships this week, nearly all oil tankers supplying fuel to Crimea and other Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory, according to reports.

The damage extends beyond the fleet. Ukrainian drones struck Taganrog port overnight, triggering a major fire at the Kurgannefteprodukt oil depot and forcing residents to evacuate.

Independent Russian news outlet Meduza analyzed oil trading data and found the situation dire. "The situation with fuel after the Ukrainian drone attacks appears to be simply catastrophic," Meduza reported, noting that Russian authorities are attempting to conceal the extent of damage to oil refineries.

Trading volume has fallen to 53% of January levels, while prices have risen to 146% of that baseline, according to Meduza's analysis of exchange data. "The picture resembles a collapse," the outlet concluded.

The fuel shortage is now visible across Russia. Petrol queues are growing, and prices are rising even in distant Siberia, despite Russia being the world's second-largest oil producer. The country is now seeking to import fuel supplies.

The crisis is affecting Russia's economy beyond the transport sector. The Moscow Times reported that Russian farmers face a "nightmare" heading into the 2026 harvest season, with chronic diesel shortages restricting equipment use and driving up costs. The shortage is particularly acute in key southern agricultural regions, threatening grain production.

Russia continues to refuse to halt its war in Ukraine or abandon its goal of capturing the entire Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.