Power Outages Reported in Key Crimean City
Sevastopol, the largest city in Russian-occupied Crimea, experienced significant power disruptions following a Ukrainian air attack. According to Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-installed governor, the city's main power substation was targeted overnight on Tuesday. Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces commander, Robert Brovdi, confirmed that drones struck the substation as part of a broader operation targeting military sites.
Razvozhayev indicated that some areas of Sevastopol could remain without electricity until Wednesday evening. He urged residents to implement power-saving measures, such as reducing mobile phone screen brightness and checking on elderly neighbors, particularly as temperatures were expected to reach 30C.
"The enemy is again striking vilely, trying to deprive us of our usual living conditions and sow panic," Razvozhayev stated in a Telegram message, adding that a "special regime" had been activated at energy facilities and emergency services were on high alert.
Wider Campaign Against Russian Infrastructure
This incident is part of an escalating campaign by Ukraine to target power facilities and logistical routes in Russian-held territories. Kyiv's objectives include impacting Russia's oil revenues and pressuring President Putin into negotiations. Explosions were also reported in other Crimean locations, including Bakhchisarai, Kerch, and near Mount Ai-Petri, home to a Russian Aerospace Forces radio engineering battalion.
The strikes coincide with ongoing fuel shortages in Sevastopol, a result of Ukraine's efforts to isolate the Crimean peninsula. Russian-installed leader Sergei Aksyonov had previously announced the suspension of most petrol sales, reserving supplies mainly for government services. Reports also indicate panic-buying of essential goods, particularly sugar, in some shops.
Crimea, internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory but annexed by Russia in 2014, is connected to Russia by a land corridor through occupied southern Ukraine and a road and rail bridge across the Kerch Strait. Ukraine has also focused on these critical bridges in its attacks.
Drone Warfare Intensifies on Both Sides
The conflict has seen an increase in drone activity from both Ukraine and Russia. Russia's defense ministry claimed to have destroyed over 300 Ukrainian drones overnight. Conversely, Kyiv's air force reported that Moscow launched 101 drones at Ukraine overnight, with 95 being intercepted.
Earlier, a large-scale Ukrainian drone strike involving approximately 200 drones hit an oil refinery southeast of Moscow. Residents reported black oil specks raining down and thick smoke, although Moscow authorities denied the "oil rain" claims.
The conflict, now in its fifth year, continues with no immediate signs of de-escalation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently sent an open letter to Putin proposing direct, face-to-face negotiations for a ceasefire, a request Putin reportedly deemed "rude" and refused, insisting that peace talks must precede any ceasefire.
Source: Ukraine strikes knock out power in key city in Russian-occupied Crimea