The explosion would also have damaged rail infrastructure, which would partly disrupt train traffic. Russia supplies troops in Ukraine partly by rail in Crimea. Russian holidaymakers would also not be able to travel by train in the region. In addition, high-voltage pylons, a power station and residential blocks were also hit, the Russians report.
Many unconfirmed images of the explosion are circulating on social media. 2000 inhabitants have already been evacuated. No people were seriously injured, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
An adviser to Ukrainian President Zelensky referred to the explosions in Crimea in a tweet on Tuesday morning. “A reminder: normally Crimea is all about the sea, the mountains, recreation and tourism. But an occupied Crimea becomes the scene of exploding depots and death and destruction.” Sky reporter Alistair Bunkall reports citing sources within the Ukrainian military that the attack on the depot was not carried out by Ukrainian troops, but by Ukrainian partisans in Crimea. “I think it is very clear that at least one Ukrainian special unit is working with Ukrainian sympathizers to disrupt Russian operations. Possibly even more.” The Ukrainian Air Force does not claim the attack in a message on Twitter, but remains cryptic. “Dzhankoy (Crimea) is another airport where the Russians have concentrated attack helicopters and other military equipment,” the organization tweeted.
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Earlier this month, heavy explosions occurred at a Russian military airport in Crimea. The devastation at the airport was extensive. Ukraine has not officially confirmed to be behind the explosions, which also killed one and injured several, according to local Russian authorities. In addition, at least eight fighter planes were heavily damaged.
Ukraine has not yet confirmed that it is behind the new explosions.