Russian authorities have assured Thursday that they have intercepted a Ukrainian drone in the city of Sevastopol, in the Crimean peninsula, where a powerful explosion occurred shortly before.
The governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhaev, has indicated that «during the morning, a ship of the Black Sea Fleet has shot down a drone over the sea». «Our Army, as always has acted well,» he has indicated in a Telegram message.
Sevastopol is home to the main base of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and several drone attack attempts have been recorded over the past month. On December 6, authorities alerted to the presence of two drones, although three others had previously been intercepted by the air defense system.
Earlier Thursday, authorities reported a powerful explosion in the center of the city, which several residents told the TASS news agency could be the result of a missile strike.
In addition, Russian intelligence has detained two residents for alleged treason and espionage in favor of Ukraine. Both have been accused of handing over information on the location of Defense Ministry targets.
This espionage work is said to have increased in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began at the end of February. If found guilty, they could face up to 20 years in prison.