Crimea hit by extensive drone strike as tensions escalate
"Tonight the most powerful drone attack was carried out on Theodosia," announced Kremlin propaganda channels. The Russian Ministry of Defence reports that 38 unmanned drones were shot down. The target of the attack was a fuel depot. The head of Ukrainian intelligence announced attacks on Crimea.
The Russian Ministry of Defence states that air defense systems thwarted an attack by 38 drones that Ukraine launched towards the Crimean Peninsula on Sunday.
Mass drone attack on Crimea
These reports followed announcements in Ukrainian and Russian social media about significant explosions at the port of Theodosia. Reuters relayed this information but could not independently confirm the reports of explosions and the supposed drones being shot down.
The Russian Ministry of Defence has not disclosed if there was any damage. Nonetheless, local media have reported damage to a part of the M17 motorway.
The road is closed. This is consistent with statements from local authorities, who mention that "traffic around Theodosia is significantly restricted".
Claims of substantial explosions near the seaport and oil depot in Theodosia surfaced on Russian and Ukrainian social media on Sunday. Residents of Theodosia reported hearing significant explosions, and ambulances were seen heading towards the port and oil depot.
Moreover, the bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula with the Russian mainland was shut to traffic for several hours.
A statement issued by the press service of the Crimea Bridge stated that the crossing was closed at 10:39 PM Greenwich Time.
"People on the bridge and in the control area are asked to remain calm and adhere to the instructions of transportation security officers," the message read.
Normal traffic resumed at 3:00 AM Greenwich Time the following day.
Reuters highlighted its inability to independently verify the reports of explosions and the supposed drones being shot down. The agency also noted that it had not received information about the drone attack from Ukraine.
Budanow: I would not recommend using the Crimea Bridge
A week ago, the head of Ukrainian intelligence, Kyrylo Budanow, warned of "surprises for the occupiers" in occupied Crimea.
"The war of Russia with Ukraine did not begin two years ago, but ten, with the occupation of Ukrainian Crimea," he remarked. "We promised that Ukrainian special forces would be in Crimea in 2023, and we have fulfilled that promise. The enemies should expect new surprises, and I would advise against using the Crimea Bridge," he stated in a released recording.
He attributed his success to the inhabitants of the occupied territory themselves.
