Explosions in Crimea: Russians report attack and block Kerch bridge

Photo: explosions rang out in Crimea on June 23 (Getty Images)

Powerful explosions occurred in several cities of temporarily occupied Crimea on Sunday, June 23. Russian occupiers claim an alleged attack, accorrding to the local Telegram channel Crimean Wind.

Explosions were heard in the Sevastopol area. Local Telegram channels reported loud noises near Sevastopol Bay and Kozacha Bay. Later, smoke was spotted in the area.

There were also reports of explosions in Balaklava and Inkerman. Information indicates that Russian air defense systems were active near Yevpatoria and Saky.

Additionally, there are mentions on social media of gunfire sounds allegedly heard in Sevastopol.

The so-called "governor" of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, claimed there was an "attack" and reported alleged air defense activity. Traffic on the Crimean bridge was blocked.

Propaganda channels assert that Crimea is supposedly being attacked with ATACMS missiles, and a fire in Sevastopol was allegedly caused by falling missile debris.

Attacks on Crimea

It is worth noting that Ukrainian defenders have conducted dozens of operations in Crimea and the Black Sea. On June 10, the Defense Forces struck an S-400 surface-to-air missile division near Dzhankoy and two S-300 divisions near Chornomorske and Yevpatoria.

On June 12, defenders hit S-300 and S-400 air defense systems near Belbek and Sevastopol. Additionally, the Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked the Kerch crossing, disrupting enemy logistics.

According to Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Russia began transferring elements of the new S-500 air defense system to Crimea to strengthen its defenses.