Ukrainian forces have launched attacks on vital infrastructure in Crimea, hitting a railway bridge and power plants, as part of efforts to isolate the Russian-held territory. These drone strikes have intensified supply disruptions during a peak tourist season, leading Russian authorities to halt gasoline sales to civilians on the peninsula. Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014, and Ukraine’s recent long-range strikes have shown its capability to challenge Russia and apply pressure on the Kremlin.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov noted that Ukrainian drones are now isolating the area. “Crimea will soon be like an island,” Fedorov mentioned, implying potential difficulties for Russia. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Russia had been warned about Ukraine’s aim to interfere with energy supplies and tourism, accusing Ukrainian drones of attempting to destabilize Russian society.
Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak reported to Putin that diesel fuel exports might be suspended to protect motorists, adding to existing bans on jet fuel and gasoline exports. Refinery maintenance schedules have also been delayed. Ukrainian forces have also targeted areas near Moscow and St. Petersburg recently.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported drone strikes on Crimea’s Kerch thermal power plant, an oil storage facility, a substation, and an LNG distribution station. Additionally, Ukrainian Special Operations and resistance movements destroyed a crucial rail bridge near Rozdolne, which served as a logistics route for Russian forces.
Pavel, a local resident, noticed the increased military security presence and confirmed power outages. However, local authorities cited technical issues for the disruptions.
Crucial due to its naval bases and strategic Black Sea location, Crimea has seen heightened security measures. The local Ministry of Sport canceled sports activities through September for safety reasons, while all summer camps have paused new bookings.
On the eastern front, Ukraine employs advanced drone technology to disrupt Russian advances. Over 800,000 enemy targets have been hit this year, with most drones domestically produced. This success has bolstered Ukrainian morale, and President Zelenskyy confirmed ongoing foreign support to counter Russia.
Ukraine’s U.N. Ambassador Andrii Melnyk expressed readiness for negotiations with Russia, aiming for a peace based on the U.N. Charter. However, Melnyk emphasized that Ukraine’s willingness to compromise is conditional, urging Russia’s withdrawal. Recent military successes, he noted, have shifted the war’s dynamics.
Simultaneously, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov assured Belarus of security support amid tensions over relay stations allegedly aiding Russian drone attacks. Kyiv accused these stations of facilitating attacks, while Lavrov accused Ukraine of attempting to involve Belarus in the conflict.
For ongoing coverage of the Ukraine war, visit the Associated Press at AP’s dedicated page.
Leave a Reply