SEVASTOPOL, Crimea, June 10 – Residents in Russian-controlled Crimea were dealing with fuel rationing on Wednesday after Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted deliveries from mainland Russia, according to a Reuters witness.

More than four years after launching its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia is contending with near-daily Ukrainian attacks targeting its energy facilities. At the same time, Western sanctions have increased the cost and complexity of exporting Russian crude, as Moscow continues its military campaign in Ukraine.

Ukrainian drone operations have concentrated on the two primary supply routes into Crimea: land corridors running through Russian-held areas of southeastern Ukraine and the Kerch Strait bridge linking the peninsula to Russia’s Taman Peninsula.

A Reuters witness reported that some stores experienced temporary shortages of sugar in recent days and imposed limits on purchases of buckwheat, a common staple in Russia, restricting buyers to no more than 5 kilograms (11 pounds). However, shelves were later replenished, and there were no visible signs of panic buying.

The same witness noted lines at certain fuel stations, where purchases were capped at 20 liters per person. Fuel sales were reportedly monitored through QR codes connected to vehicle license plates.

“The 20-liter limit remains in place,” said Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-installed governor of Sevastopol, in a public statement.

“I urge drivers planning to refuel today to check fuel availability before heading to a gas station,” he added.

In the latest wave of Ukrainian strikes, drones reportedly hit a historic museum in Sevastopol, local officials said Wednesday. Authorities also reduced the number of overnight train services as a precaution.

Russia took control of Crimea in 2014 following the removal of Ukraine’s pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, during mass protests. After a disputed referendum in which Crimea voted to join Russia, Moscow formally annexed the peninsula. However, most countries do not recognize Crimea as part of the Russian Federation.

Historically, Crimea was incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 18th century under Catherine the Great, alongside much of what is now modern Ukraine. It later became part of Russia within the Soviet Union until 1954, when Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev transferred the region to Ukraine, then also a Soviet republic.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly rejected the possibility of surrendering territory seized by Russian forces, insisting that Ukraine’s sovereignty over Crimea must ultimately be restored.