Occupation authorities declare regional state of emergency in Crimea and Sevastopol
A regional state of emergency has been declared in occupied Crimea and Sevastopol because of the energy situation on the peninsula, according to Sergey Aksyonov, the Moscow-installed head of Crimea, and Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-installed governor in Sevastopol.
They claimed the decision was made primarily to “resolve economic issues,” allowing local businesses to use the emergency regime to assess force majeure situations and enabling residents of occupied Crimea to seek compensation, including for appliances damaged during power outages.
Razvozhayev said that “the situation with Crimea’s energy supply remains difficult,” but that authorities hope electricity in Sevastopol will be restored “within the next 24 hours.”
“I ask everyone to remain calm and trust only verified sources of information. Together we will get through this,” Aksyonov added.
What is happening in Crimea?
Against the backdrop of drone attacks, fuel sales at gas stations in Crimea have been halted, with supplies to be issued only to state services. In occupied Sevastopol, power disappeared after drone strikes on energy infrastructure overnight into June 24. Sergey Aksyonov also announced a reduction in the number of trains to and from mainland Russia.
At the beginning of June, Ukrainian forces said they had taken part of Russia’s land route to occupied Crimea under aerial control using drones. On June 25, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a 40-day “operation of pressure” by the SBU against Russia aimed at pushing it to end the war. On the first day, the SBU reported strikes on vessels in occupied Kerch.
Zelenskyy said the “operation, including with regard to Crimea, is clearly calculated.” He added that Ukraine would “promptly create conditions under which Russia will be forced to choose peace” if international partners provide certain assistance that had been discussed at the Group of Seven summit.