Russian-controlled Crimea has declared a regional emergency following what officials described as one of the largest Ukrainian drone attacks on the peninsula
since the start of the war, triggering widespread disruption, infrastructure damage concerns and power outages. The announcement was made by pro-Moscow Crimean governor Sergey Aksyonov, who said emergency status had been imposed to improve coordination and response after sustained aerial assaults across the region. “A decision has been made… to sign decrees declaring a regional-level emergency situation in the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol,” Aksyonov wrote on Telegram. One of the largest drone assaults of the war The declaration followed what appeared to be one of the most extensive Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian-controlled territory, including Crimea and multiple regions across Russia. According to Russia’s defence ministry, air defence systems intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones overnight across 12 regions, as well as over the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Officials said the scale exceeded a previous record attack involving 556 drones in May. The ministry did not provide details on damage or identify specific targets. Strikes reported on naval and radar assets Ukraine’s Security Service claimed responsibility for strikes on Russian naval vessels and radar systems in the Kerch area of Crimea, a strategically important location linking the peninsula to mainland Russia. The agency said reconnaissance and mine-laying ships, including the Volga and Vyatka, as well as the ferry Petropavlovsk, were hit, causing fires. The claims could not be independently verified. Drone warfare intensifies The latest escalation reflects Ukraine’s increasing reliance on long-range drone operations targeting military, energy and logistics infrastructure deep inside Russian-controlled territory. Analysts say the campaign has placed growing pressure on Russian supply chains and military operations while disrupting fuel and infrastructure networks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had ordered a “40-day influence operation,” describing expanded long-range strikes aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow as earlier peace efforts stalled. He also said he had secured additional military assistance commitments during the recent G7 summit, including support from US President Donald Trump, which he said would strengthen Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.
