Kremlin calls Ukrainian attacks on Crimea 'barbaric'

The Kremlin has denounced Ukrainian drone attacks targeting the annexed Crimean peninsula as "barbaric," with presidential spokesman Dmitri Peskov stating that intense efforts are underway to mitigate the negative consequences. The attacks, which occurred on Sunday, led to significant disruptions, including the suspension of gasoline sales and power outages.

Authorities in Crimea are working to ensure fuel supplies reach the population, though Peskov could not specify the exact measures being taken. Currently, only essential services and security organizations are permitted to purchase gasoline. The leader of Crimea, Sergiy Aksyonov, reported that four people died and 28 were injured in the attack on the Kerch peninsula, the easternmost part of the territory, which also hosts the bridge connecting Crimea to mainland Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed strikes on military infrastructure in Kerch, including a refinery and a port terminal for oil transport across the Kerch Strait to Russia's Krasnodar region. He also reported the destruction of two Pantsir anti-aircraft batteries and four radar stations linked to S-400 missile systems. Zelenskyy asserted that "Russia only understands force, and certainly, our long-range strength serves the goal of peace."

In response to the attacks, Crimean authorities temporarily suspended car and train traffic over the Crimean Bridge for nine hours and halted maritime transport in the Kerch Strait. As an alternative route, authorities are directing travelers to use a land corridor from Russia's Rostov region, passing through eastern Ukraine via Mariupol. This comes as the Ukrainian army has been attempting to isolate the peninsula for weeks by targeting roads leading to Crimea, which had anticipated approximately 7 million tourists this year.