Powerful explosion rocks Berdyansk: First details emerge
Photo: a strong explosion rang out in Berdyansk, port hit (Getty Images)
An explosion occurred in Berdyansk overnight. Preliminary reports indicate that the "strike" was recorded at the port, according to the Berdyansk City Military Administration and the Telegram channel of Mariupol Mayor's advisor, Petro Andriushchenko.
"It's loud in the port area," the city council stated.
According to the City Military Administration (CMA), residents of Berdyansk heard a loud explosion at approximately 11:40 PM.
"Preliminary reports indicate a strike on the port," the administration noted.
Aftermath of the "strike"
As reported by Andriushchenko, the explosion occurred around 11:38 PM in the port area. After the blast, there was visible glow and signs of a fire, which lasted for about half an hour. In the coastal areas of Berdyansk, the smell of burning was noticeable.
"The occupiers have not commented on the explosion. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported shooting down a UAV over Crimea overnight, where explosions were also heard. No information was provided regarding an attack or UAV downing in the Berdyansk area," said the mayor's advisor.
Situation in Berdyansk
Berdyansk, a city in Zaporizhzhia region, is located on the coast of the Sea of Azov. During Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian forces captured the city.
The occupiers turned the town into a cluster of military sites, including the port, which is used for exporting stolen grain and products from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
Ukrainian defense forces regularly strike Berdyansk. The port is frequently targeted as well. For example, on October 31, explosions rocked Berdyansk, and the city was attacked by drones, causing power outages and smoke rising over the port.
Explosions also occurred in Berdyansk on October 12, where Russian air defense systems were reportedly active.
