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Internet monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed Friday a second collapse in network connectivity in Sevastopol, coinciding with reports of unscheduled power shutdowns across occupied Crimea as Russian-installed regional authorities declared a state of emergency.
"Confirmed: Network data show a second collapse in internet connectivity in Sevastopol amid reports of unscheduled power shutdowns in occupied #Crimea as the regional Russian leadership declares a state of emergency," NetBlocks said on X.
According to NetBlocks data, network connectivity in Sevastopol—which had held steady at roughly 90% to 100% of normal levels for most of the week beginning June 19—collapsed to near 0% on June 24.
Connectivity partially recovered to around 70% by June 25 before dropping sharply again, then climbing back to around 70% on June 26 before falling once more to a current level of 6%, according to the data.
Moscow-installed governor Sergey Aksyonov said in a post on Telegram that authorities had decided to sign decrees declaring a regional-level emergency situation in both the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.
"A decision has been made to sign decrees declaring a regional-level emergency situation in the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol," Aksyonov said, adding that the move would allow for "rapid resolution of tasks related to ensuring the stable operation of all sectors."
Aksyonov said the emergency declaration was primarily aimed at addressing economic issues and would allow faster resolution of matters related to the stable functioning of sectors that meet the population's basic needs.
Russian-installed authorities in Crimea declared a state of emergency after suspending tourism and children's summer camps and halting all fuel sales in response to Ukrainian attacks.
The authorities did not specify what the declaration would mean in practice.
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The emergency declaration came amid fuel shortages and power cuts triggered by Ukrainian attacks on logistics chains and oil facilities across Crimea, the rest of Russian-occupied Ukraine, and southern Russia.
Fuel sales at gas stations in Crimea had been halted entirely as of June 21.
Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 660 Ukrainian drones overnight Friday, including over Moscow and annexed Crimea, one of the highest single-night totals since the war began.
Ukraine has primarily targeted Russian oil processing and export facilities in an effort to deprive the Kremlin of revenue needed to finance its war effort.
A Ukrainian attack last week caused a major fire at a refinery in southeastern Moscow, sending plumes of thick black smoke over the suburbs.
A day before declaring the emergency, Aksyonov had acknowledged that Crimea "is going through a challenging time" and that "the fuel situation is the most difficult."
He said: "I cannot say exactly how long it will take, nor can I publicly disclose the specific action plan. However, we are taking action."
Aksyonov also conceded that Russian forces could not fully protect the peninsula.
"Unfortunately there are no air defense systems in the world that are absolutely perfect in terms of security and effectiveness," he said.
A Moscow resident vacationing in Feodosia on Crimea's southeastern coast told Agence France-Presse (AFP) by phone earlier this week that fear has become widespread among both locals and visitors.
"Everyone is afraid: locals and visitors alike," she said, describing a recent overnight attack. "We were afraid we'd never wake up again, we prayed all night. The sky was like Star Wars."
Despite the ongoing war, Crimea has remained a popular holiday destination for Russians.
On Monday, Ukraine's Defense Ministry said its strikes were "closing the beach season in Crimea," listing successful hits on oil depots, gas compressor stations and air defense systems.
"The forecast for tourists is unfavorable," the ministry said on social media.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose administration has questioned U.S. mediation efforts in the broader Ukraine conflict, has said Ukraine's attacks on civilian infrastructure are intended to sow discord among the Russian population.
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