Tuesday, February 17, 2026-A series of powerful explosions rocked the Russian‑occupied Crimean Peninsula, with reports of blasts heard in and around Kerch and Sevastopol, key cities under Moscow’s control.
Local observers documented large explosions that triggered air‑raid alerts and heavy air defense activity as Russian forces claimed to intercept aerial threats over the region. The sounds of explosions were followed by reports of drone sightings and air defense systems operating across multiple parts of Crimea, heightening fears of escalated attacks on military and infrastructure targets.
In response to the intense activity and security situation, the strategically vital Crimean Bridge — the main land link between Russia and the occupied peninsula — was shut down for several hours overnight. Traffic was halted as authorities assessed conditions and attempted to secure the area, with the closure lasting well into morning before reopening once officials declared it safe for travel. This bridge closure was significant as it disrupted the flow of civilian and military transport, underscoring how attacks and explosions in the region can have immediate logistical impacts.
Russian local officials attributed the explosions to defensive actions by their armed forces, reporting that air defenses were actively engaging incoming threats over the Black Sea and Crimea. Residents in various districts of the peninsula described loud blasts, intermittent internet outages, and prolonged alarm sirens as the situation unfolded through the night. While details about the origin of the explosions remain contested, the event marks a particularly intense moment in the ongoing conflict affecting the peninsula and its critical infrastructure.
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