Russian authorities in temporarily occupied Crimea report air strike and air defence operations

Crimea, Ukraine (Svidomi) — In Russian-occupied Crimea (Qırım), explosions sounded during an air raid in Feodosiia (Kefe), Rozdolne, Hvardiiske, Perekopsk and Sevastopol (Aqyar), Ukraine's public broadcaster Suspilne reports, citing residents.

Local "authorities" report anti-aircraft operations. The so-called "governor" of the temporarily occupied Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, said that the smoke in the Sevastopol Bay area was a disguise for the Russian military.

He later confirmed that Russian air defence systems were in operation. After the explosions in the city, he reported the alleged downing of an air target. 

"There are reports of debris falling on a wasteland in the area of Liubymivka," the Russian official said.

At the same time, the Crimean Wind Telegram channel published photos and reports of a tentative fire near the Belbek airbase. According to locals, many fire engines had been sent to the area.

Razvozhayev, for his part, reported the wreckage of a downed missile that allegedly fell in the private sector area of Sevastopol and Liubymivka. The Russian Ministry of Defence reported 20 missiles allegedly shot down by Russian air defence over the Crimean peninsula. Six missiles were sighted in the temporarily occupied Sevastopol by the so-called "governor" Razvozhayev.

During the air raid, which lasted almost three hours, the Russians blocked the Crimean bridge and stopped public transport.

The Ukrainian side neither confirmed nor denied the attacks on Crimea. 

"Did you know that the Ukrainian Air Force includes the 204th Sevastopol Tactical Aviation Brigade? Its regular base is the Belbek military airfield. Ukrainian pilots shall return to their home air base," said Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk.