Summary
Highlights
Ukrainian forces, particularly unmanned systems, have sharply intensified strikes on Russian military logistics. Commander Magguyar issued a blunt message to Russian truck drivers, warning that their vehicles transporting supplies to occupied territories are legitimate military targets. Over 240 strikes on Russian supply trucks, with 80 targeting fuel trucks, were recorded in the first week of July alone.
Due to the dangers of land routes, Russia attempted to move fuel to occupied Crimea by sea, assembling a large convoy of 38 shadow fleet tankers. However, Ukrainian drones have successfully engaged over 30 unique vessels in four days, including 14 struck in a single night. This has led to a limited Russian withdrawal of vessels, but drones are expected to continue the hunt, creating a significant problem for Russia's fuel supply to Crimea.
The widespread strikes on Russian refineries and fuel transportation have led to a severe gas crisis in Russia. Videos show long queues for gas while Ukrainian drones are heard striking nearby. Muscovites express pessimism, with some joking about riding horses due to the fuel shortages and deteriorating quality of gasoline. The crisis is leading to increased car repair costs and a potential shift away from personal car ownership.
Margarita Simonyan, head of RT, attempts to downplay the crisis, urging Russians to 'endure' it by recalling past hardships like ration cards and carrying water in the 1990s. She claims the current situation is 'nothing' compared to what they've faced. This propaganda aims to normalize the difficult conditions but overlooks the fact that Russia in the 90s still had core industries that are now under severe strain.
Simonyan makes misleading claims, arguing that no Russian missiles have hit Europe, while thousands of European missiles and tanks have been sent into Russia. The video refutes this by clarifying that Ukraine is part of Europe, and Russian forces have heavily struck Ukraine. It also highlights that European aid to Ukraine is legitimate self-defense, while Russia is the aggressor that invaded Ukraine in 2014 and 2022.
The video emphasizes that Russia has launched thousands of missiles and drones at Ukraine, a European country, and is the aggressor. European weapon aid to Ukraine is legitimate self-defense. Russian strikes have repeatedly hit civilians in Ukraine (Europe) and violated NATO airspace. Ukraine is taking the fight into Russia as a response to Russian aggression, which is now impacting Russia with the gas crisis. Europeans have a direct security interest in stopping Russia to prevent further expansion.
Given the vulnerability of both the Crimean bridge and a sea-based flotilla, Russia appears to be running out of options to supply gas and gasoline to Crimea. The video questions what Russia will do next, indicating a significant strategic challenge for the occupation of Crimea.