SIMFEROPOL, Crimea — Russian-installed authorities declared a regional state of emergency in Crimea and Sevastopol on Friday amid intensified Ukrainian drone strikes that have disrupted fuel supplies, power and transportation on the Russian-controlled peninsula.
Sergei Aksyonov, the Moscow-appointed governor of Crimea, announced the measure, which took effect at 1 p.m. local time and will remain in place until the situation stabilizes. Mikhail Razvozhaev, the governor of Sevastopol, issued a similar decree for the city.
"This state of emergency will remain in effect until the situation improves," Razvozhaev said in a video address.
The emergency declaration follows repeated Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure and logistics routes in recent days, which Russian officials said have caused power outages and fuel shortages. Authorities have suspended fuel sales to the public, restricted tourism and children's summer camps, and imposed other temporary measures to maintain essential services.
Aksyonov stated that the move would allow faster decision-making to ensure the stable operation of sectors critical to the population's livelihood. Details on specific impacts from the latest strikes remained limited in official Russian statements.
Ukraine has intensified long-range drone and missile operations against Russian-held territory in Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014. Kyiv has described such strikes as targeting military and logistical assets used in the ongoing conflict.
Russian officials reported intercepting large numbers of Ukrainian drones in recent operations, though precise figures varied across statements. Ukrainian authorities have not publicly detailed their operations in Crimea on Friday.
The peninsula has faced growing logistical challenges, including restrictions on public transport, shortened business hours for shops and cafes, and dimmed street lighting in some areas. Long queues formed at departure points as some residents sought to leave.
The state of emergency covers both the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol. Officials said it was primarily aimed at addressing economic and supply issues stemming from the strikes.
As of Friday evening, no comprehensive casualty figures from the latest strikes had been independently verified. Russian and Ukrainian sides have offered differing accounts of damage in prior attacks on the region.
The situation on the ground continued to evolve, with authorities focusing on restoring services and managing disruptions.
