136 Power Infrastructure Targets Struck in Crimea: The 'Switch Off' Campaign.

According to Espreso.tv: Since July 1, 2023, a military campaign code-named 'Crimean Switch Off' has systematically targeted the region's energy infrastructure, damaging a total of 136 facilities—most within occupied Crimea. Led by SBS commander Robert Brovdi, the operation marks a significant effort to degrade the peninsula's power grid. These strikes are part of broader Ukrainian attempts to weaken Russian control over Crimea, which was annexed in 2014.

During the initial stage (July 1–10), 60 energy sites were hit. By July 18, that number had risen to 83, and by July 19 it reached 96. On July 20 alone, 19 electrical substations and distribution nodes were destroyed. As of July 24, the total stood at 136 damaged facilities, with 14 located in Crimea and an additional 4 in other occupied territories.

Key Substations and Participating Units

Among the damaged substations are the Simferopol 330 kV substation, Bakhchysarai 220 kV substation, Koktebel substation, and Kerch substation.

The operation involves multiple Ukrainian units, including the 9th Battalion 'Kairos', the 414th Brigade 'Birds of Madar', the 1st Separate Center of the SBS, the 412th Brigade 'Nemesis', the 413rd Regiment 'Raids', and the 20th Brigade 'K-2'.

'Crimean Switch Off' is part of larger efforts to destabilize the occupation administration in Crimea and reduce its ability to sustain military operations.

Source: military analysts

Damaging energy infrastructure can severely impact the viability of occupied territories—particularly electricity supply—and may fuel social unrest among the local population. These developments occur against the backdrop of an intensified conflict in Ukraine and continued international support for Ukrainian efforts to counter aggression.