The situation in Crimea, which was considered Russia's "deep rear" just a year ago, has changed radically. Today, the peninsula has turned into a zone where fuel shortages, banking card malfunctions, and multi-kilometer queues on highways have become the norm. Ukrainian drones are increasingly appearing in the sky over the region, and logistics chains are failing. Refat Chubarov, the head of the Crimean Tatar People's Mejlis, spoke to RBC-Ukraine about the stability of Russian power in the region and the prevailing sentiments among the population.
From the Rear to the Frontline Zone
Chubarov notes that the transformation of Crimea's status began back in August 2022. That was when targeted strikes on military objects began, the first of which was the Novofedorovka airfield near Saki. Since then, the peninsula has ceased to be a safe zone. Subsequent explosions of the Kerch Bridge (there were three) significantly limited its capacity, preventing the infrastructure from performing the functions laid out in its design.
According to experts, more than 225–230 military objects are located in Crimea. Since they were counted, the number of positions has not decreased. The region is fully militarized: missile strikes and drone launches against mainland Ukraine are carried out from there. This makes Crimea a priority target for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
Logistical Collapse and Fuel Shortages
The situation with fuel, causing panic among the population, is a direct consequence of the active actions of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. A key factor was the limitation of fuel transportation by road. Sukhodol — the road connecting Rostov-on-Don with Crimea through occupied territories (Mariupol, Melitopol), which Russian authorities call the "Novorossiya" highway — is now under fire control by the AFU in certain sections.
This has led to supplies of fuel to Crimea and the adjacent areas of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions becoming extremely difficult. The only remaining channel for delivering troops and food remains the damaged Kerch Bridge, which, despite three explosions, continues to function in a limited mode.
Public Sentiment: From Curses to Hope
The crisis in logistics and supply directly affects the lives of ordinary people. Refat Chubarov, who regularly communicates with the residents of the peninsula, notes a diverse reaction from the population. Some people express dissatisfaction and curse Ukraine, however, a significant portion is ready to endure hardships.
The main motivation for hundreds of thousands of people — Crimean Tatars, ethnic Ukrainians, and representatives of other nationalities — remains loyalty to the Ukrainian state. As Chubarov notes, many are ready to put up with privations if this brings the liberation of Crimea closer. The sentiments of the residents are bolstered by reports from experts that full control of the land may force the Russian command to think about evacuating from the peninsula.
Chubarov calls for speaking honestly with people in Crimea: the AFU is doing everything possible to put the peninsula in a full blockade, depriving the Russian army of the ability to supply and maneuver.