Crimea's power grid hit again as satellites reveal the aftermath
Photo: Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (Russian media)
A new overnight attack on occupied Crimea in the early hours of July 5 targeted energy infrastructure facilities. Amid these strikes, satellite images are recording another trend that is becoming increasingly noticeable, according to the Exilenova+ Telegram channel.
Several energy infrastructure facilities in occupied Crimea came under attack overnight on July 5.
According to preliminary data, two electrical substations were attacked, while a comparison of satellite images over the past year indicates a significant reduction in nighttime lighting across the peninsula.
Energy facilities attacked in Crimea
According to available information, the target of the overnight attack was the 220 kV Bakhchysarai substation located in Bakhchysarai. Reports also said that the 10/35/10 kV Zymyne substation was hit.
Closer to dawn, reports began to emerge online that Bakhchysarai had lost power.
Published materials, including images from NASA's FIRMS thermal anomaly monitoring service, indicate signs of fires in the area of one of the facilities after the strike.
Fires in Crimea (t.me/exilenova_plus)
Fires in Crimea (t.me/exilenova_plus)
Fires in Crimea (t.me/exilenova_plus)
Satellites show changes on the peninsula
A comparison of satellite images taken in July 2025 and July 2026 was also published.
The images show that the level of nighttime outdoor lighting across occupied Crimea has decreased significantly.
These changes are linked to the continuing strikes on the peninsula's energy infrastructure.
Over the past year, substations, power supply facilities, and other elements of the energy system have regularly come under attack.
The repeated strikes on energy facilities in occupied Crimea caused a noticeable deterioration in the peninsula's power system.
Nighttime outdoor lighting has been significantly reduced in many areas, as recorded by satellite monitoring systems.
The summer tourist season in occupied Crimea is performing far below expectations, largely due to the actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Despite discounts offered by local hotels, the flow of vacationers continues to decline, with many Russians preferring to spend their holidays at other resorts instead of traveling to the peninsula.
