Key facts
- Russian-installed authorities declared a state of emergency in Crimea on June 26.
- The declaration follows intensified Ukrainian drone attacks targeting infrastructure.
- Widespread power outages are affecting approximately half of Crimea.
- Ukrainian strikes have targeted railway bridges, fuel facilities, and military infrastructure.
- Previous Ukrainian attacks have caused significant power disruptions in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Russian-installed authorities in Crimea declared a regional state of emergency on June 26, citing the need to address economic issues amid intensified Ukrainian drone attacks. The measure comes after recent large-scale strikes hit infrastructure across the occupied peninsula, causing widespread power outages that have left about half of Crimea without electricity. Ukraine's Defense Minister stated the aim is to isolate Crimea by disrupting Russian supply chains. Energy supply remains difficult, with repair work ongoing. Prior to Russia's 2014 annexation, Crimea relied heavily on mainland Ukraine for power, and while Russia developed independent energy sources, these facilities are now vulnerable to drone attacks. Similar Ukrainian attacks have previously caused significant power disruptions in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, while Russian strikes have also targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure.