Ukrainian drones strike 37 energy facilities in Crimea and Donbas in 6 days
Ukrainian drones struck dozens of energy facilities in Crimea and Donbas (photo: Getty Images)
Since the beginning of July, Ukrainian drones have struck 37 energy facilities in Crimea and Donbas. Following the strikes, the local authorities acknowledged a total blackout, according to Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Robert Brovdi (call sign Madyar).
"Crimea's switch has given out on the 38th step taken by the Birds of the Unmanned Systems Forces during the first six days of July. The authorities in Crimea acknowledged a blackout across all cities and districts of the Southern Coast of Crimea and in Simferopol. Between July 1 and July 5, the Birds of the Unmanned Systems Forces intensively took out 37 energy hubs in Crimea and the southern Russian-controlled territories," he said.
Madyar said that overnight, a massive strike was carried out against the key 330-kilovolt Simferopol power substation in Simferopol. He emphasized that "it was target number 38."
The strike was carried out by operators of the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Kairos 9th Battalion of the 414th Separate Brigade of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Madyar's Birds, the 412th Nemesis Brigade, and Phoenix.
"Vermin, of course, this is not your finale. This is only the beginning of de-occupation. Let's see you reach the hundredth step of this journey through your power sockets during July. You will announce the cascading collapse of the peninsula's energy system later. There will be no electricity or communications then, so you will have to use carrier pigeons," Madyar said in the statement.
He also said that details would be released about two gasoline tankers for Crimea that were hit by the Unmanned Systems Forces overnight, as well as a burning oil depot on the peninsula.
Since the beginning of 2026, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces have increased the number of attacks deep behind enemy lines by 1,150%. The military also released a list of targets that had been hit.
Recently, Ukrainian drones successfully struck Crimea. In particular, the Security Service of Ukraine hit fighter jets at the Saky airfield for the second time in a week, putting seven enemy aircraft out of operation, and also attacked hangars at the Hvardiiske airfield.
