Ukraine strikes 13 power stations in occupied territories

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) conducted a 48-hour operation on July 1-2, 2026, striking 12 power substations and one gas distribution station across Russian-occupied territories, including Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. USF Commander Robert "Madyar" Brovdi reported the successful strikes, which also included a hit on a Russian fuel depot in Melitopol. This operation is part of Ukraine's intensified summer campaign aimed at disrupting Russian logistics and infrastructure, particularly in Crimea, to isolate the peninsula from mainland Russia. The strikes come as Crimea grapples with an escalating energy crisis, including widespread power outages and electricity restrictions, following previous Ukrainian attacks on fuel facilities. Before Russia's 2014 annexation, Crimea depended on mainland Ukraine for over 80% of its electricity. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that Kyiv's drone campaign is making it difficult for Moscow to manage crises. The operation follows a significant Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv that resulted in numerous casualties.