Explosions in Crimea break Russian narratives

Ukrainian forces have stepped up their attacks on military targets in Crimea, undermining the logistics of the Russian army in the south. Amid the attacks, the mood on the peninsula is changing: from euphoria among pro-Ukrainian residents to panic and disappointment among supporters of the occupation.

This was reported by Krym. Realii.

Ukraine continues to conduct regular strikes on Russia's military infrastructure in the temporarily occupied territories of the south and in Crimea, keeping key enemy logistics routes under fire control. This includes the so-called "land highway" connecting Mariupol, Melitopol, and the peninsula, which is of strategic importance for supplying Russian troops.

Over the past week, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have conducted a series of attacks on facilities in Crimea. On the night of April 22, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Russian Black Sea Fleet's ship traffic control center "Streletsky" in Sevastopol was hit. Before that, explosions were heard in the city, reported by local resources, while the Russian authorities did not officially comment on the situation.

In addition, the Ukrainian military reported a strike on a radar station near Yevpatoriya. The Russian side traditionally did not confirm the losses, saying only that it had allegedly intercepted more than a hundred Ukrainian drones over various regions, including Crimea.

At the same time, the consequences of attacks on fuel infrastructure were recorded. In Feodosia, after the explosions, traffic was blocked near the oil depot, where a fire reportedly continued. Oil depots in the Bakhchisaray district and the village of Oktyabrske were also hit. Separately, the large amphibious assault ships Yamal and Nikolai Filchenkov were reported to have been hit.

Experts emphasize that the main goal of these attacks is not only the destruction of individual facilities, but the systematic undermining of the Russian army's logistics. The attacks on oil depots directly affect the supply of fuel to the troops, which is critical for aviation, navy and ground units. In particular, the bases in Sevastopol, Hvardiyske, and Feodosia provided a significant part of the Black Sea Fleet's needs and military infrastructure.

Supply routes along the Azov coast are also under fire. This complicates the transfer of equipment, ammunition, and reserves, slowing down the pace of possible Russian offensives. Each strike, according to analysts, has a pre-emptive effect, destroying the enemy's plans before they are implemented.

At the same time, experts are cautiously assessing the prospects for a large-scale Ukrainian offensive in the south. Currently, there are not enough resources for a full-fledged operation to liberate Crimea, but current actions are seen as a preparatory stage - creating conditions for future decisions.

Noticeable changes are also taking place among the population of the occupied peninsula. According to researchers, the reaction of Crimeans is divided into three groups. The first is pro-Ukrainian residents who perceive the strikes as a signal of Ukraine's return and a demonstration of its strength.

The second is those who have adapted to the occupation. For them, the attacks serve as a reminder that the situation is not final and make them avoid openly supporting Russia or being politically active.

The third group, IDPs from Russia and supporters of the annexation, are increasingly showing confusion and depression. Among them, distrust of Russian propaganda is growing, and questions are being raised about the effectiveness of air defense and Russia's overall ability to control the situation.

Some manifestations of discontent are becoming public, even among members of the security forces. There is evidence that open criticism of the war and the Kremlin's policies is becoming more frequent in Crimea, which was considered impossible six months ago.

Also in April, the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a series of strikes against the Russian fleet and military infrastructure in occupied Crimea. The attack damaged three ships and a number of key support facilities.

Анна Літман