Widespread explosions and blackouts hit occupied Crimea in overnight drone assault

Updated at 4:20 a.m.: “Witnesses reported hearing a large number of explosions in Kerch, but no gun fire… Subscribers reported three massive explosions in Kerch,” Crimean Wind wrote. 

Explosions were reported in Sevastopol near Kazachya Bay, as well as in the village of Orlivka north of the city.

Local residents reported hearing loud explosions and the buzzing of drones in the Bakhchysarai district.

Crimean Wind subscribers later reported that the power plant near the village of Nekrasivka (Bakhchysarai district) was likely hit, noting that the area suffered a blackout immediately following an explosion.

Reports later emerged of powerful explosions rocking Kerch, alongside drone strikes and detonations in Feodosia.

Situation in Crimea

Crimea’s fuel crisis intensified in June amid systematic Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and logistics facilities. Multi-kilometer traffic jams have formed on roads leading out of Crimea. Russian occupation authorities announced the closure of summer camps in Crimea, as the local tourism season has effectively ground to a halt.

Russian-installed Krymenergo announced “temporary power cutoffs” across Crimea on June 25.

The peninsula has come under drone attacks almost every night, with explosions reported in multiple cities. Ukrainian officials say military facilities, electrical substations, oil terminals and other Russian infrastructure have been hit.

Ukraine’s Defense Forces have also continued striking bridges and crossings linking Crimea with Russian-occupied areas of southern Ukraine.

Russian-installed authorities declared a state of emergency in Crimea on June 26.

A fire broke out at the Saky combined heat and power plant in temporarily occupied Crimea after an overnight attack on June 28.