Explosions Heard in Multiple Cities Across Occupied Crimea: Support Independent Journalism in Ukraine

Kyiv, Ukraine – Explosions rattled multiple cities in occupied Crimea and a community in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai overnight on June 12, as reported by the Telegram channel Crimean Wind. The disturbances began with blasts heard around 2:47 a.m. in Sevastopol, followed by additional explosions in Yevpatoria, Saky, and Krasnoperekopsk. In Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, a few explosions were also reported in the early hours of the morning in the community of Armyanskii.

Speculations from Crimean Wind suggest possible damage to an S-400 air defense system during the attacks, but official confirmation on infrastructure damage is still unavailable. The Russian-installed proxy Governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, mentioned injuries and damage resulting from the assaults, although the accuracy of these claims remains unverified by independent sources.

Despite the incidents, Ukraine’s Armed Forces have not claimed responsibility for the attacks nor have they provided any statements. It was confirmed on June 10 by Ukraine’s General Staff that the Armed Forces did conduct strikes on Russian S-400 and S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems in the occupied areas of Crimea overnight. These actions have significantly impacted Russian assets in Crimea and hindered operations of the Black Sea Fleet.

Proxy leaders in the occupied peninsula have instigated decrees seizing around $24 million in Ukrainian assets from Crimea since 2022. These directives have aimed to confiscate properties and assets of individuals deemed supportive of Kyiv. The ongoing conflicts and tensions in the region continue to escalate, raising concerns about further hostilities and their impacts on the affected communities.