Kremlin-backed authorities declare state of emergency in Crimea after Ukraine strikes

Published June 26, 2026 12:32pm ET | Updated June 26, 2026 12:32pm ET



The Russian-backed authorities in Crimea declared a state of emergency on Friday, following multiple days of Ukrainian attacks.

Russian Defense Ministry officials said Friday that their air defenses had intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones overnight in several cities, including the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014. Officials later said they intercepted an additional 46 drones. It is believed to be the largest Ukrainian drone attack of the year, according to Russian state media.

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