Explosion rocks Sevastopol, occupiers claim another UAV attack

There was a loud sound resembling a muffled artillery shot or an explosion in the central part of Sevastopol at approximately 04:00 (local time in Crimea) on 17 February. The occupiers claim to have shot down an UAV. 

Source: Krym.Realii news outlet; the Krymskyi Veter (Crimean Wind) Telegram channel, citing local residents; Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on the air of the national joint 24/7 newscast

Details: It is reported that a sound resembling an explosion was heard in the area of Lukomska Street, General Ostriakov Avenue and Komyshova Bay, as well as in the city of Balaklava. 

Mikhail Razvozhayev, the so-called head of the occupation administration of Sevastopol, has posted on his Telegram channel that Russian air defence units "shot down an UAV".

"A UAV was shot down this morning near the Balaklava Thermal Power Plant. There was no damage," Razvozhayev said. 

On air during the national joint 24/7 newscast, journalists asked Yurii Ihnat, a spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to comment on the explosion. He said that he was not authorised to comment on it but hinted that such events would continue.

Quote from Ihnat: "Everyone expects a 'cotton' [an explosion] in our favour. Unfortunately, I can't say what it was; I don't have that right. It is obvious that 'cotton' will most likely occur, and not only in Crimea. Because we can't do without 'cotton' today."

For reference: Russian propaganda, initially refusing to use the word ‘vzryv’ (explosion), used ‘khlopok’ (a bang) instead. However, ‘khlopok’ also means ‘cotton’, and this has since become a meme.

Previously: On 16 February, journalists of the Krym.Realii news outlet reported that there were several explosions near Russian military units approximately at 05:00 local time (04:00 Kyiv time). In particular, a missile launch and the following loud explosion were heard in the central part of Sevastopol at 05:14. The strongest explosion sounded at 06:15. 

After this, Mikhail Razvozhayev claimed there was a Ukrainian UAV attack on the city. According to him, Russian air defence units shot down several Ukrainian UAVs near the coast of Crimea and Sevastopol on the night and morning of 16-17 February. 

Background: Since August 2022, explosions have rocked temporarily occupied Crimea and the city of Sevastopol almost every day. The Russian government explains that this is "air defence operating" and "shooting down Ukrainian drones". Sergey Aksyonov, the Kremlin-appointed head of the occupation administration of Crimea, called UAVs "the main threat" for Crimea.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!