By sky and sea, Ukraine’s drone strikes challenge Russia’s grip on Crimea

August 13, 2026 Greg Myre

Diners sit at an outdoor restaurant in Sevastopol, Crimea, on July 22. Ukrainian drone strikes are causing power outages, fuel shortages and cuts in cellphone service in the peninsula. Russia seized Crimea when it first invaded Ukraine in 2014, but now its hold on the territory is being challenged.

Russia maintained an iron grip on Crimea since seizing it from Ukraine in 2014. Many Russian civilians go there to enjoy the beaches. But now Ukraine is hitting Crimea hard, upending daily life.

(Image credit: Igor Ivanko)

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