A large-scale Ukrainian drone operation has disrupted electricity supplies across Sevastopol, the largest city on the Crimean Peninsula, after a key energy installation was damaged overnight.
The city’s Russian-appointed governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, announced that several districts would remain without electricity until at least Wednesday evening while repair teams assess the extent of the destruction.
Ukrainian military officials stated that unmanned aircraft successfully struck Sevastopol’s primary electrical substation as part of a broader campaign targeting strategic infrastructure in Russian-controlled territory.
Authorities in the port city activated emergency response measures and introduced special operating procedures at affected energy sites.
Residents were encouraged to conserve battery power on mobile devices, reduce electricity consumption where possible, and check on vulnerable neighbours as temperatures are expected to climb to around 30°C.
In a public statement, Razvozhayev accused Kyiv of attempting to create fear and disrupt daily life but insisted local communities would endure the hardship.
The attack forms part of Ukraine’s intensified effort to weaken Moscow’s hold on Crimea by targeting facilities linked to military logistics, transport networks and fuel distribution.
Kyiv hopes sustained pressure on critical assets will increase the political and economic cost of the conflict for the Kremlin.
According to Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, drones targeted 48 active and planned military-related locations.
Explosions were reported not only in Sevastopol but also near Bakhchisarai, Kerch and Mount Ai-Petri, where Russian aerospace surveillance units are stationed.
The latest assault comes as Crimea faces growing fuel shortages.
Earlier this week, Russian-installed regional leader Sergei Aksyonov announced a suspension of public petrol sales, reserving available supplies mainly for state services.
Residents have reported panic buying in some stores, with sugar among the items becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.
Ukrainian forces have also focused on transport links connecting the peninsula to Russian-controlled territory, including routes through southern Ukraine and the Kerch Strait crossing.
Crimea, internationally recognised as part of Ukraine, was annexed by Russia in 2014 and has since served as a vital military and logistical hub.
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its air defences intercepted and destroyed more than 300 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Moscow launched 101 drones against Ukrainian territory, with 95 allegedly neutralised before reaching their targets.
The aerial campaign follows another significant Ukrainian operation last week, when approximately 200 drones struck an oil refinery southeast of Moscow.
Witnesses reported dark oily residue falling onto streets and vehicles after the attack, although Russian officials dismissed those accounts.
The conflict, now in its fifth year, continues without a clear path to resolution.
Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly proposed direct talks and a ceasefire with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Moscow rejected the suggestion, arguing that negotiations should take place before any halt in hostilities is considered.
By Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong