60 Energy Targets Hit in Crimea: Drone Forces Push Occupiers Toward a Complete Blackout.

Strikes on Crimea’s Energy Infrastructure

According to UATV: Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces continue to target the energy infrastructure of Russian troops in temporarily occupied territories, particularly in Crimea. According to the commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert Brovdi, 60 energy facilities across Crimea and other occupied regions were attacked during the first ten days of July 2023.

On the night of July 10, as part of the 'Crimea Switch-Off' initiative, nine additional facilities were destroyed. Between July 1 and July 10, units of the Unmanned Systems Forces struck 51 energy sites in Crimea and southern Ukraine, along with nine more in eastern Ukraine. Among the damaged facilities in Crimea are:

• the 'Berehove' substation
• the 'Mainaky' substation
• the 'Novoozerna' substation
• the 'Saky' substation
• the 'Medvedevo' substation
• the Saky Thermal Power Plant

Additionally, on July 8, the Unmanned Systems Forces struck a key component of the 'Kuban–Crimea' energy bridge.

'Russian occupation forces will not escape a deep and total blackout.' Robert Brovdi

These attacks are having a significant impact on the energy grid, potentially leading to severe consequences for Russian military operations in occupied areas. Other targets included a military training ground, a special communications hub, and a Russian military base in Horlivka. This activity underscores the ongoing efforts of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces to reclaim control over occupied territories.

Strategic Objectives of the Strikes

The targeting of energy infrastructure in Crimea and other occupied regions reflects Ukraine’s strategic goal of diminishing the enemy’s military capabilities. By crippling power supplies, these strikes not only reduce the effectiveness of Russian forces but also foster instability in occupied zones. This campaign highlights the intensified role of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces within the broader scope of the country’s military operations.