Russia has reported new Ukrainian drone strikes in the Crimean city of Sevastopol, a day after explosions went off near military bases in Russian-controlled areas.
Key points:
- Analysts say drone strikes made possible by new equipment used by Ukrainian military
- Russia’s attack on a nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine sparked fresh fears of a nuclear accident
- Meanwhile, burned-out Russian tanks and infantry aircraft carriers are displayed in Kyiv, attracting the attention of onlookers.
The Russian-appointed governor, who is not recognized by the West, said a drone had hit a building near the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet early Saturday morning (local time).
“A drone flew onto the roof. It was flying low,” Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said on Telegram.
“It fell right on top of the fleet headquarters. It fell on the roof and burned up. The attack failed,” he said.
Crimea is a Ukrainian territory captured and annexed by Russia during an incursion into Ukraine in 2014.
Natalia Goreykova, a resident of Sevastopol, told Reuters that she heard explosions like firecrackers in the morning, adding: “We know that drones came here from time to time, so we were prepared for that.”
Ukrainian media reported explosions in nearby towns, including Yevpatoriya, Olenivka and Zaozyornoye stations.
Explosions and fires have rocked Crimea in the past week, including an explosion at a Russian airbase that appeared to destroy a large number of aircraft according to satellite photos.
Ukrainian officials have not commented.
Analysts have said the attacks were made possible by new equipment used by the Ukrainian military and predicted more would follow.
Ukraine hopes its apparent newfound ability to strike Russian targets behind the front lines could turn the tide of the conflict, disrupting the supply lines Moscow needs to support its occupation.
A Russian missile injures 12 near a nuclear power plant
A Russian missile struck a residential area in a southern Ukrainian city not far from a nuclear power plant, injuring 12 civilians, Russian and Ukrainian officials said.
The attack on the Pivdennoukrainsk nuclear power plant (Southern Ukraine) and further bombings near the Zaporizhzhia station, the largest such facility in Europe, led to renewed fears of a nuclear accident during war, Ukrainian officials said.
After the strike, Vitaliy Kim, governor of the Mykolaiv region, told Telegram that four children were among the injured.
Private houses and a five-storey apartment block were damaged in Voznesensk, 30 kilometers from the plant, Ukraine’s second largest.
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The Mykolaiv region prosecutor general’s office, updating an earlier number, said 12 civilians had been injured.
State-owned Energoatom, which runs Ukraine’s four nuclear power generators, called the attack in Voznesensk “another act of Russian nuclear terrorism.”
“It is possible that this missile was specifically aimed at the Pivdennoukrainsk nuclear power plant, which the Russian military tried to recover in early March,” Energoatom said in a statement.
Russia did not immediately respond to the accusation. Reuters was unable to verify the situation in Voznesensk. There were no reports of any damage to the plant in Southern Ukraine.
Russian military tanks on display in central Kyiv
Ukrainians visit an avenue in Kyiv where destroyed Russian military vehicles have been displayed. (AP: Andrew Kravchenko)
Meanwhile, in Kyiv, burned-out Russian tanks and infantry aircraft carriers were displayed on the Ukrainian capital’s central Khreshchatyk Boulevard, drawing the attention of pedestrians and snappers.
The display of destroyed Russian army vehicles comes just days before Ukraine celebrates Independence Day on August 24, which also coincides with six months since the outbreak of the war.
On the central avenue, past Maidan Square and blocked to traffic, locals could walk alongside the mysterious display, made up of dozens of military vehicles parked on the road.
Many saw the display as a strong indictment of the invasion.
Irina Tupolenko, a student who lives in Kyiv, was there inspecting the burnt chunks of metal.
“I think we’re definitely going to win, and it’s actually really nice that we’ve had an exhibition like this because patriotic places come together and want to rush to go help and defend. And when everyone helps, it really boosts morale. I think everything will be fine,” said Mrs. Tupolenko.
Reuters/AP