A Ukrainian‑sponsored drone attack on the main power substation in Sevastopol has left Russia’s largest city plunged into darkness, Moscow‑installed governor Mikhail Razvozhayev announced on Thursday. The strike knocked out the electricity supply to a significant portion of the port city, with authorities warning that some areas could remain without power until Wednesday evening.
The incident comes amid a broader campaign by Kyiv to target energy infrastructure in Russian‑occupied territories, seeking to cripple oil revenues and pressure President Putin into negotiations. Sevastopol is a key naval base and logistical hub, making the outage strategically impactful.
Razvozhayev issued a Telegram message to residents encouraging them to conserve power by dimming screens and shutting nonessential appliances. He urged people to check on elderly neighbors as daytime temperatures are expected to reach 30°C, and emergency services are on high alert.
The attack follows a surge of Ukrainian drone strikes that have targeted 48 armed and planned military sites overnight, including the main power station, and caused explosions in nearby Bakhchisarai and Kerch. Russian forces claim to have shot down over 300 drones that night.
Concurrent fuel shortages are stretching the region, with Russian‑installed leadership suspending petrol sales for non‑government use. Residents report growing panic buying and shortages of essentials such as sugar.
Security experts note that Ukraine has also struck key bridges linking Crimea to mainland Ukraine, further isolating the peninsula. The ongoing blockade, combined with Sevastopol’s blackout, demonstrates the escalated pressure applied to the Russian‑controlled peninsula in the 4‑year‑old conflict.
