Was it a targeted Ukrainian attack with a self-developed weapon, an act of sabotage, or simply a violation of fire safety regulations, as Moscow claims? It is still not clear what triggered the series of explosions on the Russian-annexed Black Sea peninsula in Crimea. However, on Tuesday evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised his compatriots again that Crimea would be recaptured. “Crimea is Ukrainian and we will never give up,” said the head of state.
With its annexation in 2014, Russia turned Crimea into one of the most dangerous places. “The Black Sea region cannot be safe as long as Crimea is occupied,” Zelenskyy said. “This Russian war against Ukraine, against all of Europe, started with Crimea and must end with Crimea, with its liberation.”
The cause of the explosions is still unclear. But the number and strength of the explosions point to a targeted attack by Ukraine. It would be the first military strike on targets in the Black Sea Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014. Symbolically, it would be as heavy a blow to Moscow’s leaders as the sinking of the cruiser Moskva, the flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, in mid-April.
Russia had stationed Sukhoi Su-24 bombers and Sukhoi Su-30 multirole fighters at Saki Air Base north of Sevastopol. Many attacks on targets in southern Ukraine were flown from the base. The first videos from the base, which have not yet been verified, showed numerous burnt-out cars, as well as a destroyed Su-24.
Did partisans attack?
While the Russian Defense Ministry spoke on Tuesday that ammunition exploded through negligence, the New York Times reported on a Ukrainian attack. A Ukrainian-developed weapon was used, the newspaper quoted a senior Ukrainian military officer as saying. Partisans loyal to Ukraine also played a role in the attack.
Zelensky’s adviser Oleksiy Arestovych also spoke unofficially of an attack with a new Ukrainian weapon “while the partners are not yet sending us long-range missiles”. The Ukrainian defense industry is making progress. Arestovych also mentioned the possible use of partisans.
Russia considers the Crimean peninsula its territory and has threatened massive retaliation in the event of Ukrainian attacks. Most states recognize that Crimea remains part of Ukraine under international law.
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.
