Russia has closed the Crimean Bridge to all civilian car traffic, a significant escalation in the disruption of logistics to the annexed peninsula.
The move follows a series of Ukrainian strikes that have severely damaged local fuel infrastructure, prompting temporary halts in gasoline sales at stations across Crimea.
The bridge, a critical symbol of Russian control and a vital supply artery, is now restricted to rail and military use only, further isolating the region from mainland Russia.
The decision to shut the bridge to private vehicles highlights the vulnerability of Russian supply lines in the face of sustained Ukrainian drone and missile campaigns.
With fuel supplies already constrained by recent attacks, the closure aims to prioritize military logistics and essential goods transport while reducing the target profile for civilian casualties.
The disruption adds another layer of complexity to Russia's ability to sustain its occupation forces and maintain economic activity in the peninsula.