Conflicting Reports on the Targeting of Three Ukrainian Drones Over Crimea

Ukrainian media reported, citing intelligence sources, that the explosions on Sunday in the port of Sevastopol in Crimea were due to a "joint operation by Ukrainian forces," while the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its forces shot down three Ukrainian drones over southwestern Crimea on Sunday. According to Reuters, Mikhail Razvozhayev, the governor of Sevastopol — the base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet — wrote on Telegram that everything is calm in Sevastopol, the largest city in Crimea. He also stated that Russian air defense shot down three Ukrainian drones in the area on Sunday and that this attack caused no damage. At the same time, Razvozhayev mentioned that if people see smoke in the southern bay area, it is due to the "stealth operation of the Black Sea Fleet." Razvozhayev wrote on Telegram: "Our enemies will try their best to present this as a 'victory' today." Reuters cannot independently verify reports of events in Crimea, including the reported explosions in Sevastopol by Telegram accounts. Earlier, Voice of America reported, citing Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary-General, that preparations should be made for a long-term war in Ukraine. The Secretary-General added: "We all wish for a quick peace, but at the same time, we must understand that if Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, and the Ukrainians stop fighting, their country will cease to exist." The Secretary-General's remarks come as Russia early on Sunday targeted the Odesa region in Ukraine with a combination of drone and missile attacks. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that agricultural facilities were targeted. NATO Secretary-General: We must prepare for a long-term war in Ukraine. General Milley: North Korean arms assistance to Russia will not affect the outcome of the Ukraine war. The U.S. sanctioned dozens of individuals and entities for "profiting from Russia's war against Ukraine." Ukraine shot down 17 Russian drones in several areas.