multiple explosions reported near annexed Crimean resort town

Several explosions sounded near the town of Novofedorivka, a small seaside town located in annexed Crimea, Tuesday August 9th. Plumes of black smoke were visible for several hundred meters around, according to numerous images posted on social networks.

The incident, however, is not related to possible artillery fire or airstrikes. In a statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said that “Aviation munitions had exploded in a protected storage area” from the Saki military airfield, and that no one had been injured, according to an initial report. The airport infrastructure, still according to this source, was not damaged.

“Measures have been taken to set up a perimeter” security in a five kilometer zone, clarified (in Russian) Sergei Aksenov, leader of this territory claimed by Russia since 2014. In a video filmed at the scene, he adds that at this stage, no civilian had requested the assistance of rescuers, and he asks the population to rely only on information issued by the authorities. One of his advisers adds that about thirty people had to be evacuated.

Crimea has been on the front line of Russia’s military offensive against its Ukrainian neighbor since the end of February. Russian planes take off from it almost every day to strike targets in areas under kyiv’s control. Despite the conflict, Crimea remained an important vacation spot for many Russians. Many of them were enjoying the beaches at the time of the detonations.