Despite statements by Russian authorities about the unity of Crimeans, residents of occupied Crimea are increasingly criticizing local authorities over fuel shortages, power outages, water shortages, and other problems.
This is reported by Krym.Realii.
Russian officials in Crimea claim that these difficulties are uniting the population and helping them overcome new challenges. At the same time, according to the publication, there is a growing amount of criticism directed at the occupying administration on local social media.
One of the main problems cited is the fuel shortage. Conflicts are breaking out among people at gas stations due to the lack of gasoline. Local residents also complain about power and water outages.
Crimean authorities attribute the criticism to alleged attempts to destabilize the situation.
At the same time, activists interviewed by Krym.Realii believe that these problems do not unite society but, on the contrary, exacerbate tensions and division.
According to those interviewed by the publication, discontent is spreading even among people who previously supported the Russian authorities. Among the reasons cited are deteriorating living conditions, resource shortages, the consequences of the war, and problems with the local administration.
Activists also draw attention to economic difficulties. According to them, businesses are closing in Crimea and conditions for business are deteriorating.
At the same time, public sentiment is deteriorating in Russia itself. According to VTsIOM, the percentage of respondents who believe that the hardest times are still ahead rose from 39% in March 2025 to 66% in July 2026.
Recently, the occupying authorities in Crimea stated that fuel prices may not return to the levels seen before the state of emergency was declared on June 26, amid attacks on the peninsula’s energy and logistics facilities.
Ірина Глухова
