On the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula, Russian anti-aircraft guns are said to have shot down drones at two strategically important locations. There was a defense against airstrikes on Crimea’s largest military airport, Belbek near Sevastopol, on Thursday evening, local governor Mikhail Rasvozhayev announced. Anti-aircraft fire and explosions were also heard over the town of Kerch. A drone was also allegedly shot down there.
At Kerch, the strategically important road and rail bridge connects Crimea to the Russian mainland. In the Russian region of Belgorod, an ammunition depot caught fire near the border with Ukraine. The incidents far behind the actual frontline came hours after a tripartite summit between Ukraine, the United Nations and Turkey in Lviv (Lemberg).
The Ukrainian army has the right to destroy Russian military facilities in Crimea, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak said on television. Kiev leaders have not officially claimed responsibility for the growing number of explosions and incidents in Crimea. At the same time, it is clear that Ukraine is exerting pressure on the Russian military on the hitherto untouchable peninsula, which serves as a military staging area.
Air raid siren
After the explosions of recent days, a black column of smoke was again observed in western Crimea near Mezhvodnoye on Thursday afternoon. The local civil defense spoke of burning grass. According to Governor Rasvoschaev, there was no damage or injury from the crashed drone at Belbek Air Force Base. The reports were initially not independently verifiable. After the events, there was an air raid siren over all of Ukraine on Friday evening.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Sochi. Resource-rich Kazakhstan in Central Asia is an ally of Russia. However, when it comes to the war against Ukraine, Kazakhstan is very careful to keep its distance from Moscow.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
