Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed on May 19 that it repelled Kyiv’s “attempts” to strike occupied Crimea and bordering Russian regions overnight, as Ukrainian media reported explosions on the peninsula. Moscow claims to have shot down U.S.-provided missiles and drones over Crimea. Kyiv has not reacted to the reports yet.
Since summer 2022, Ukraine has been actively striking military targets in occupied Crimea and Russia to weaken Russian resources. The Ukrainian attacks on the Black Sea Fleet have been particularly successful. Russian proxies reported air defense efforts in Sevastopol without damage to civilian infrastructure.
The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the reports of the overnight strikes.
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