Crisis for Putin as state of emergency declared in 1 key area | World | News
“This state of emergency will remain in force until the situation improves,” Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said. in question in a Telegram video address announcing the citywide emergency. Crimea Governor Sergei Aksyonov, appointed by Russia, sent His own video declaring a region-wide state of emergency said it “should simplify and streamline the property damage claims process.”
Razvozhayev said the state of emergency will allow local business owners to invoke force majeure provisions and residents to seek financial compensation for electrical equipment damaged by rolling power outages. The state of emergency also allows authorities to restrict freedom of movement.
Crimea experienced rolling power outages last week as Ukrainian airstrikes targeted its energy infrastructure. Authorities asked residents to limit energy consumption while repair crews work to restore normal operation on the regional power grid.
Razvozhayev said on Friday that unstable electricity supplies were causing water pressure problems in parts of Sevastopol, home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. He said once the power grid stabilizes, water supply will return to normal. Maritime passenger transportation was also stopped in Sevastopol Bay on Friday morning. However, no specific reason was given by transportation officials.
Restrictions were also imposed on the Kerch Bridge, which connects Crimea to the Russian mainland. More than 2,000 vehicles waited to cross during the nearly five-hour wait, officials said. While the reason for the delays was not disclosed, the Kerch Bridge has long been considered a target since the 2022 invasion.
The strikes have a significant impact on the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism. Kommersant said there has been a sharp decline in hotel bookings in Crimea, with cancellations increasing by around 88% on an annual basis.
The fuel crisis in Russia and the occupied territories is deepening due to Ukraine’s ongoing attacks on oil refineries. Images shared online showed thick black smoke rising over Russia’s capital Moscow, with one resident describing the scene as “pure hell”.
After a long silence, Russian leader Vladimir Putin instructed his government and the Russian Ministry of Defense to “take measures to reduce to zero the consequences of attacks on infrastructure by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.”
