Kremlin-backed authorities in annexed Crimea declared a state of emergency on Friday afternoon (June 26) following days of intense Ukrainian attacks that have knocked out power in parts of the peninsula and compounded fuel shortages and restrictions on public transport.
State of Emergency Declared Across Crimea
Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev announced a citywide state of emergency in a Telegram video address, stating: “This state of emergency will remain in effect until the situation improves.” Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-appointed governor of Crimea, posted his own video declaring a regionwide state of emergency, which he said “should simplify and streamline the process of property damage claims”.
Razvozhayev explained that the state of emergency will allow local business owners to invoke force majeure clauses and enable residents to seek financial compensation for electrical equipment damaged by rolling blackouts. The state of emergency also allows authorities to restrict freedom of movement.
Power Outages and Fuel Shortages
Crimea has suffered from rolling blackouts over the past week as Ukrainian air attacks have targeted energy infrastructure. Authorities have asked residents to limit energy consumption as repair crews work to restore normal operations on the regional energy grid. Razvozhayev said on Friday that unstable power supplies had caused water pressure problems in parts of Sevastopol, home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. He said the water supply would return to normal once the power grid stabilised.
Sea passenger transport in Sevastopol Bay was also suspended on Friday morning, though no specific reason was given by transport officials. Restrictions were also imposed along the Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea with mainland Russia. Officials said more than 2,000 vehicles were waiting to cross amid wait times of around five hours. While the reason for the delays was not stated, the Kerch Bridge has been a longstanding target since the 2022 invasion.
Economic Impact and Fuel Crisis
The strikes have had a significant impact on the local economy, which depends heavily on tourism. Russian business daily Kommersant reported that Crimea has seen a sharp drop-off in hotel bookings, with cancellations up around 88% year-on-year. A fuel crisis is deepening in Russia and the occupied territories amid continuing Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries. Footage shared online showed thick black smoke billowing above Moscow, with one resident describing the scene as “pure hell”.
After a prolonged period of silence, Russian leader Vladimir Putin instructed his government and the Russian Ministry of Defence to “take measures to reduce the consequences of attacks on infrastructure by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to zero”.
