Ukraine launches 40-day intelligence operation as Crimea declares state of emergency after drone strikes

Crimea under siege

Ukrainian strikes have crippled energy infrastructure on the annexed peninsula. Fuel sales were halted on 22 June, and power outages hit Sevastopol on 25 June. On 26 June, Russian-appointed governor Sergey Aksyonov declared a regional state of emergency for Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, citing the need to manage economic fallout.

Dear Crimean residents, from 9 a.m., the dispensing of fuel at petrol stations — whether paid by cash, card or fuel vouchers — will be suspended.

The attacks have disrupted the summer tourist season, normally a peak period for Russian visitors. The Russian defence ministry reported that air defences shot down 660 Ukrainian drones overnight on 26 June, many targeting Crimea and the Moscow region.

Moscow under fire

Moscow mayor Sergey Sobyanin said at least 28 drones headed for the capital were destroyed within about an hour. Emergency services were deployed to sites where debris fell. The strikes follow a recent attack that caused a major fire at a refinery in southeast Moscow.

Special forces of the emergency services are working at the sites where debris has fallen.

Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to hit Russian energy infrastructure, including refineries, oil depots and ports, aiming to cut Moscow's oil revenues that fund its offensive.

Zelenskyy's 40-day operation

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on 25 June that he had approved a 40-day intelligence operation designed to "force Russia to peace." The operation follows a meeting with SBU domestic intelligence chief Yevhen Chmara. Zelenskyy praised the SBU's Alfa special unit for its role in neutralising occupiers and destroying equipment.

I have approved a 40-day influence operation by the (intelligence) service against the aggressor state, aimed at forcing it to end the war.

Alfa has been involved in high-profile strikes, including the "Spinnennetz" operation in June 2025 that hit military airfields deep inside Russia, damaging over a dozen aircraft including strategic bombers. In December 2025, the unit twice attacked the Belbek airfield in Crimea, destroying radar, air defence systems and fighter jets. Alfa also fought in the battles for Bakhmut and Avdiivka and during the Kursk offensive.

Lukashenko calls for talks

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, amid speculation about his country's involvement in the war, said he had recently received a Ukrainian delegation and warned against dragging Belarus into the conflict. He insisted his position is "peace-loving" and called for negotiations.

Let's negotiate, people. Our position is peace-loving. Will we shoot at these machine fitters, milkmaids and workers who don't want to fight against Belarusians? We also don't want to fight against Ukrainians.

Lukashenko said he had discussed the matter with Vladimir Putin and was even ready to open the border so Ukrainians could pick berries and mushrooms in Belarusian territory.