In a significant escalation of hostilities, multiple cities in Crimea, particularly Sevastopol, faced widespread power outages after Ukraine launched drone attacks targeting military infrastructure. Robert Brovdi, the commander of Ukraine's drone forces, reported that 48 military targets were struck during the night of June 24.

One major substation near Sevastopol was hit and rendered inoperable, leading to blackouts in the largest city on the peninsula. Russian media indicated that Ukrainian forces continued their drone assaults into the early hours of June 25, aiming at energy infrastructure across Crimea.

Simferopol also reported extensive power outages following the attacks, with additional reports of outages in Yalta after a regional substation was targeted. Local residents reported hearing explosions near the Balaklava power plant in Sevastopol.

In response to the crisis, Sevastopol's Mayor Mikhail Razvozhayev reassured residents, stating, "We will not be subdued by a lack of light. We have overcome greater challenges before, and we will survive this one as well." He acknowledged that some areas would face power cuts while authorities assessed the damage. A "special regime" was implemented at energy facilities, and emergency response teams were placed on high alert.

Residents were advised to conserve electricity, reduce phone screen brightness, and close background applications to extend battery life. The mayor also urged community members to check on elderly residents during the extreme heat.

The drone strikes come amid concerns over fuel shortages in Crimea, as the region faces increasing isolation from Kyiv. Ukrainian forces have intensified attacks on transport connections between Crimea and Russian-controlled areas, including the railway bridge linking southern Ukraine to the peninsula, as well as energy infrastructure.

On June 21, Crimea's leader Sergei Aksyonov announced a temporary halt on gasoline sales to prioritize fuel for public agencies. The electrical grid in Crimea has been under significant strain in recent days, with Russian officials stating that a blackout on June 23 left approximately half of the peninsula without power.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) suggested that Russian forces are gradually losing control of the skies over Crimea. Kyiv aims to transform Crimea into a "continuous loss zone" and compel Russian troops to withdraw from the peninsula. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated on June 17 that the drone strike campaign would make Crimea feel like an isolated island.