Crimea rocked by explosions as strategic airfields come under attack
Photo: Emergency responders (Getty Images)
A series of explosions was reported in temporarily occupied Crimea on the evening of February 19, with the Belbek and Saky airfields potentially targeted, according to Crimean channels.
The Russian side traditionally said air defence systems were operating and that the attack had been repelled.
At the same time, local Telegram channels reported intense gunfire, missile launches, and drone activity around Sevastopol and along the peninsula’s western coast.
Witnesses said loud explosions were heard near the Belbek military airfield outside Sevastopol. Flashes were seen in the sky along with searchlights and tracer fire. Explosions were also reported near the Saky airfield in Novofedorivka.
Between about 11:20 and 11:30 PM Kyiv time, residents across several districts of Sevastopol reported powerful blasts. According to preliminary open-source information, a fighter jet may have taken off from Belbek to intercept an aerial target. Witnesses said the aircraft launched a missile that did not hit its target, after which the jet deployed flares and headed toward Yevpatoria.
Around 11:30 PM, a strong explosion was also reported over Andriivka near Sevastopol, while residents observed searchlights operating near the settlement of Soniachne.
Russia’s Defence Ministry later claimed several drones had been shot down over Crimea and the Black Sea. No official confirmation of strikes on military facilities has been provided, and there were no immediate reports of damage to civilian infrastructure.
Why it matters
The Belbek and Saky airfields play a key role in Russia’s military logistics and aviation operations in Crimea. They host combat aircraft and support operations across the Black Sea region, which is why they are frequently mentioned in reports of attacks. Combat aircraft sorties have repeatedly been recorded from these bases.
The situation around the peninsula remains tense, and there is currently no independent confirmation of the incident’s consequences. The information remains subject to verification.
Strikes on military targets
On the night of February 17, Ukraine’s Armed Forces reportedly struck a Russian Ka-27 helicopter in temporarily occupied Crimea and also hit several drone command posts.
