Russia Invades Ukraine
Crimea Goes Dark As Ukrainian Drones Target Electricity Grid
- By Amos Chapple
An escalating energy crisis is underway in Crimea as blackouts sweep the Russian-occupied Ukrainian peninsula and local Kremlin-installed authorities set up "emergency assistance centers."
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A woman walks with a flashlight during a blackout in the western Crimean city of Yevpatoria on July 5.
A series of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Crimea's electricity grid over the past week has caused sweeping blackouts through much of the Russian-occupied peninsula.
A series of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Crimea's electricity grid over the past week has caused sweeping blackouts through much of the Russian-occupied peninsula.
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A combination satellite image compares Crimea by night in January and July 2026.
Crimea’s electricity supplier, Krimenergo, announced on July 7 that "due to accidents caused by enemy drone strikes, a number of populated areas are currently without power supply.”
Crimea’s electricity supplier, Krimenergo, announced on July 7 that "due to accidents caused by enemy drone strikes, a number of populated areas are currently without power supply.”
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People seen in Yevpatoria on July 5.
The Krimenergo statement lists 19 cities and settlements throughout the peninsula that remained without power on July 7.
The Krimenergo statement lists 19 cities and settlements throughout the peninsula that remained without power on July 7.
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A frame grab from a Ukrainian strike-drone video that was released on July 6 shows one of several recent attacks on Crimean electrical stations.
The power crisis comes after Ukrainian forces claimed to have made 38 drone strikes targeting Crimea’s electricity infrastructure since July 1, including an attack on the energy grid of Simferopol, Crimea’s capital and second-largest city, on July 6.
The power crisis comes after Ukrainian forces claimed to have made 38 drone strikes targeting Crimea’s electricity infrastructure since July 1, including an attack on the energy grid of Simferopol, Crimea’s capital and second-largest city, on July 6.
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Cyclists and pedestrians on a darkened street in Yevpatoria on July 5.
The electricity crisis in Crimea, which comes amid ongoing fuel shortages throughout the peninsula, has led to critical services, such as water supplies, being affected in some cities, and tram services suspended.
The electricity crisis in Crimea, which comes amid ongoing fuel shortages throughout the peninsula, has led to critical services, such as water supplies, being affected in some cities, and tram services suspended.
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An apartment building without light in Yevpatoria on July 5.
Municipal water pumps in Yevpatoria were reportedly disabled due to the blackouts. "The water pressure in the mains is below the required level and water is not reaching the upper floors of buildings or elevated areas,” a local official announced on July 6.
Municipal water pumps in Yevpatoria were reportedly disabled due to the blackouts. "The water pressure in the mains is below the required level and water is not reaching the upper floors of buildings or elevated areas,” a local official announced on July 6.
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A largely empty beach in Feodosia, on Crimea’s eastern coast, photographed in early July.
An apparent exodus of tourists leaving Crimea for Russia was filmed in late June amid an energy crisis caused by Ukrainian strikes on fuel carriers and infrastructure.
An apparent exodus of tourists leaving Crimea for Russia was filmed in late June amid an energy crisis caused by Ukrainian strikes on fuel carriers and infrastructure.
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Dark apartment buildings in Yevpatoria on July 5.
Russian-imposed authorities have opened "emergency assistance centers" in several cities in Crimea since July 5. The centers offer "phone charging, access to communications, and immediate assistance," amid the ongoing power crisis.
Russian-imposed authorities have opened "emergency assistance centers" in several cities in Crimea since July 5. The centers offer "phone charging, access to communications, and immediate assistance," amid the ongoing power crisis.
