Russia and Ukraine Exchange Drone and Missile Strikes

The Russian Federation and Ukraine exchanged series of aerial and sea-based strikes on July 26, 2026, targeting critical infrastructure and military logistics. Early Sunday, Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit a radar station on Tepe-Oba mountain in Feodosia and the Tavriya Thermal Power Plant in the Simferopol district. These attacks caused fires and widespread blackouts across Simferopol, Feodosia, and the Dobrovska valley.

Krymenergo, the Russian-installed energy operator, confirmed a complex distribution crisis across the peninsula. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its air defense systems intercepted 133 Ukrainian drones over Crimea, the Black Sea, and Russian territory. These strikes compounded an existing energy crisis following previous attacks on electrical substations earlier in the month.

In response, the Russian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes against Ukrainian port and transport infrastructure. Russian forces used sea-based weapons and drones to damage a container terminal and fuel storage facilities at the Port of Chernomorsk. Additionally, Russia reported hitting a bulk cargo carrier transporting military cargo in the waters south of Odessa.