Threat to Crimea: Russia reports large-scale drone attack from Ukraine
On the night of May 2 to 3, the Russian armed forces reported a significant escalation of the situation in the temporarily occupied Crimea, claiming a massive deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) allegedly attacking strategically important military airfields and facilities on the peninsula. This occurred amidst rising tensions in the region, likely in response to actions by Ukrainian defense forces. At an official level, the Russian Ministry of Defense states that on May 2, both day and night, over a hundred drones were destroyed on the Crimean Peninsula originating from Ukrainian territory. According to Russian authorities, 121 drones were eliminated: 89 in the air over Crimea itself, another 23 in the Black Sea area near the Southern coast, and several in Russian regions including Krasnodar Krai, Oryol, Belgorod regions, as well as in the Sea of Azov. Preliminary data indicate active Russian defensive responses, with claims that 89 drones were shot down by missile and aviation defense systems in the airspace over the peninsula, and 23 in the maritime area. Reports from local Telegram channels, including "Crimean Wind," described powerful explosions in several settlements during the night, near military airfields. Specifically, explosions were reported in Sevastopol, Dzhankoy, Saki, Novofedorivka, and Kacha, where key military facilities are located. Videos showing the sounds of explosions and footage of fires in the village of Ughlovo near the Kacha airfield were also published. Photos of bright fires caused by air defense operations appeared in the reports. The main version from the Russian side is the assumption of successful destruction of most attacking drones. For instance, the so-called "governor" of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhaev, stated on Telegram that there is an ongoing struggle with drones in the city and its surroundings. According to him, the Russian naval and air forces, in cooperation with air defense systems, have already destroyed 7 drones over open sea at considerable distance from the coast. He also assured that no significant damage occurred in the city and that the situation is under control. By the end of the first half of the night, Razvozhaev reported that the Russian fleet, using all available means of support, repelled a large-scale combined attack concentrated near Khersones, Sevastopol Bay, and the outskirts of the humorously named "Kacha" and Bilohradsky railway district. While he claimed that no serious damage to infrastructure or military targets has been inflicted so far, the situation remains tense. Later, closer to dawn, Russian special services reported a significant barrier reconfiguration — specifically, a temporary halt in traffic across the Crimean Bridge. Road traffic was closed around 4 a.m. and restored only after several hours — about two and a half hours later, which added to the tension and caused logistical difficulties for residents and military facilities. Overall, Russian media and military structures carefully managed their informational narrative during the night to reduce panic levels and bring the situation under control. At the same time, it is evident that Ukrainian forces continue to maintain a high level of activity, responding to Russian provocations and attempting to weaken Moscow’s strategic claim over Crimea. It is also possible that these events signal a new escalation of tensions across the region, which, on the eve of the spring-summer season, remains in a state of high tension and conflict scenarios.