Multiple explosions have occurred near a military installation in Russian-held Crimea, it has come to light today.
Eyewitnesses reported at least 12 different explosions within a minute’s time today afternoon at about 3:30 p.m. local time, according to several sources.
Approximately 30 minutes later, a second explosion occurred, causing massive plumes of thick black smoke to emanate from the base near Novofedorivka, Western Crimea.
Ukraine ceded the peninsula to Russia in 2014, and Russia has occupied the land ever since, amid considerable international criticism.
The origin of the explosions is yet unknown.
Novofedorivka is more than 210 miles from the closest unoccupied portion of Ukraine’s landmass that is not held by Putin’s soldiers.
Videos published on the messaging application Telegram showed the aftermath of the blasts, with holidaymakers fleeing a nearby beach and authorities encouraging people to seek shelter.
Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to the head of the Russian-occupied peninsula, Sergei Aksyonov, declined to comment on the event, telling Russia’s RIA Novosti: ‘At this time, I can only state that there were many explosions in the Novofedorivka region.
I request that everyone wait for official statements and refrain from creating their own account of events.
Meanwhile, Aksyonov informed his followers through Telegram that he was on his way to the explosion scene and that “circumstances are being explained.”
The TASS news agency claimed that emergency personnel from the adjacent town of Saky were sent to the bomb site, citing the regional health ministry, while residents reported traffic gridlock on highways heading away from the shore as the public evacuated.
The airfield near to Saky and Novofedorivka is home to the Black Sea Fleet’s 43rd Separate Naval Assault Aviation Regiment.
The facility is home to a variety of Russian air force aircraft, including Su-30SM, Su-24M, and Su-24MP fighter jets and Tu-134 cargo aircraft.
Crimea has been spared the intensive bombing and artillery battles that have occurred in other parts of eastern and southern Ukraine since February 24, when President Vladimir Putin authorized the deployment of Russian military troops into Ukraine, including those located on the peninsula.