Russia-installed authorities in Crimea have declared a state of emergency following an increase in drone attacks by Ukraine, which have caused major electricity outages and fuel shortages on the peninsula.
The areas hardest hit by the power shortage are around Sevastopol, the largest city in Russian-controlled Crimea. Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-appointed governor, said restrictions on electricity supply would continue, as efforts to repair the power grid have been repeatedly interrupted by air raid alerts triggered by drone attacks.
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According to Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s drone forces, Ukraine struck Sevastopol’s main electrical substation seven times in the early hours of Wednesday.
In recent weeks, Kyiv has increased the intensity of its military operations in Crimea, aiming to step up pressure on Russia and damage the peninsula’s logistical and military infrastructure.
Alongside the power problems, local authorities have suspended fuel sales to citizens and businesses, making it available only to state institutions. Residents say fuel stations are empty and prices have risen sharply.
Long lines of vehicles have also formed on the Kerch Bridge, which links Crimea to southern Russia. Thousands of cars waited for hours to undergo inspection after the bridge was temporarily closed following a Ukrainian drone attack.
The developments have also affected tourism. Authorities have suspended summer camps for children until September 1, while some residents report empty streets, shortages of products in supermarkets and difficulties with public transport.
However, according to the owners of some tourist facilities, visitors are still arriving, although the atmosphere in the area has become more uncertain.
Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014, a move not recognized by most of the international community. Since the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kyiv has repeatedly said it aims to regain control of the peninsula.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that operations in Crimea are part of a planned strategy to force Russia to accept peace negotiations.
Meanwhile, analysts believe that although these attacks are increasing pressure on the Russian authorities and affecting the daily lives of Crimea’s residents, they are not expected to change the Kremlin’s strategic position on the war in Ukraine.
