Ukrainian drone strikes hit Crimea’s energy grid, Sevastopol faces widespread outages and rising tensions

The city of Sevastopol, in Russian-controlled Crimea, continues to face power outages following a series of repeated and more intense Ukrainian drone strikes on the peninsula’s energy infrastructure.

According to Mikhail Razvozhayev, Sevastopol’s Kremlin-appointed governor, broad restrictions have been imposed on electricity supply, and residents have been asked to reduce consumption to avoid overloading the grid. Local authorities stress that the energy system remains fragile as a result of the successive strikes.

On the Ukrainian side, the commander of the drone forces, Robert Brovdi, said Kyiv had struck Sevastopol’s main electricity substation several times. He presented this as part of a broader campaign aimed at weakening Russian military and logistical infrastructure in Crimea.

For weeks, Ukraine has increased the intensity of drone attacks in Crimea, targeting energy substations, fuel depots and supply routes. These strikes have directly affected the daily lives of residents, bringing power cuts, fuel shortages and other restrictions on basic services.

The Russia-installed authorities in Crimea have also announced restrictions on fuel sales, while some public services and activities for children have been suspended because of the security situation.

Residents of the area speak of a marked increase in air raid alarms and drone activity, as attacks and aerial interceptions have become more frequent, deepening the sense of insecurity on the peninsula.

Sevastopol, Crimea’s largest city and the strategic base of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, has remained a major flashpoint for years since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, a move condemned by most Western countries.

Ukraine has stressed that operations in Crimea are part of its strategy to increase pressure on Moscow and weaken Russian military capabilities in the region, as the war continues with no signs of ending.

In Sevastopol and other parts of Crimea, the situation remains tense amid continued power outages and fears of a further escalation in attacks.