Ukraine drone strike hits Crimea power hub, cuts electricity to four regions

A Ukrainian drone strike ignited a fire at a key electrical substation in Crimea overnight, knocking out power across four Russian-occupied territories. The attack targeted a 220/35 kV substation in the village of Mariianivka, part of a major energy corridor running through northern and central Crimea. The resulting fire disrupted electricity supply to the peninsula and three other occupied areas. Local officials reported that the strike also damaged S-300 and S-400 air defense systems near the city of Kerch. These systems are long-range surface-to-air missile batteries used by Russia to protect strategic assets. No casualties have been confirmed, and repair crews are working to restore power. The incident marks another escalation in Ukraine’s campaign to degrade Russian military infrastructure and energy networks in occupied Crimea.