Ukrainian forces strike Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol

The pro-Ukrainian Telegram channel "Crimean Wind" reported the explosions.

Around 10:00 p.m., Russia declared an air alert in Crimea, sounding sirens in military units and blocking traffic on the Kerch bridge while deploying fighter jets.

As of 10:20 p.m., numerous explosions were reported in Sevastopol, particularly near Cape Fiolent and Kozacha Bay, as well as around the Belbek airfield.

Local residents were shocked by the force of the explosions, reports state.

Members of the "Atesh" resistance movement claimed to have provided relevant information to the Ukrainian Defense Forces from Crimea.

OSINTtechnical specialists confirmed that at least three Ukrainian Storm Shadow cruise missiles targeted the main communications hub of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

Sevastopol's governor, Mikhail Razvozhaev, reported partial damage to the city's transport infrastructure, including sea transport with five of six boats sustaining broken windows. Razvozhaev mentioned damage to ground transport as well, including three passenger buses, 13 school buses, one trolleybus, and a social taxi, primarily with broken windows, along with one bus sustaining a punctured bumper and radiator damage.

Razvozhaev stated that “despite the damage, transportation services remain unaffected,” as the city recently received new buses, allowing for transport continuity. Damaged vehicles are slated for repair by specialists.

Ukraine’s stance

Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk expressed gratitude to the pilots and sailors for their successful combat operations.

"The sky and the sea share the same hue! Gratitude to the pilots and sailors for their successful combat operations! Crimea belongs to us! Together, we’ll achieve victory!" Oleschuk wrote.

On the morning of March 24, the Armed Forces' Center for Strategic Communication confirmed a successful strike on Russian military targets in Sevastopol.

It was reported that during the night, the Defense Forces targeted two large amphibious ships, the Yamal and the Azov, along with the communications center and several infrastructure facilities of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the temporarily occupied Sevastopol.

Later, on March 24, satellite images appeared showing the aftermath of a missile strike on the Black Sea Fleet communications center in Sevastopol, Schemes reports.

"The Planet Labs satellite recorded that one of the buildings on Rudneva Street in Sevastopol was hit by missile strikes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Comparing the satellite images of the area for March 21 and 24, it is clear that the roof of the building collapsed after the missile strike. Fire trucks are also visible near the building," the statement reads.

Russia’s reaction

The governor of occupied Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhaev, claimed that Russian air defense had allegedly intercepted more than 10 missiles. According to Russian reports, this was the most significant attack in recent times, resulting in one fatality and four wounded individuals, all adults.

The governor also issued threats against individuals who recorded videos of "air defense operations."