The Russian authorities have suspended maritime transport in the waters of the city of Sevastopol, located on the Crimean peninsula, after the shooting down of two drones launched by Ukrainian forces. The Directorate for the Development of Transport Infrastructure has announced that maritime passenger transport has been suspended without specifying the reasons, but they have enabled a land route to cover the affected transport. Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhaev reported that the drones were intercepted at around 3:30 a.m. (local time), and one of them exploded on its own, causing no damage on the outskirts of the city.
The city of Sevastopol has been the target of several drone strikes by Ukrainian forces due to its strategic location and because it is home to the main base of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. In March, UK intelligence services reported that the attacks were limiting the operations of the Black Sea Fleet.
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a “yellow” alert level has been maintained in Crimea. Russian authorities have not confirmed whether the suspension of shipping is related to the downing of the drones by Ukrainian forces.