Ukraine strikes Crimea, plunging region into darkness

On July 5, 2026, Ukraine launched a series of drone and missile strikes on the Russia-annexed Crimean peninsula. The attacks targeted power substations, a Russian airbase, and bridges, causing widespread blackouts across Crimea. Ukrainian officials confirmed the strikes, while Russian authorities reported two civilians killed by drone raids. The operation also included a hit on a Russian oil terminal near St Petersburg, with smoke seen rising over the facility.