What is the significance of this morning's explosion in Russian-occupied Crimea, and is it possibly more significant than the Haimas attack on a Russian ammunition train two weeks ago?
According to reports, the explosion site is located in or near the village of Mais'ke, 21 kilometers east of the main road and railway junction in Dzhankoi. The Russians have said it was an ordnance explosion (which is clear from the videos posted by different people).
An ammunition depot exploded near the village of Azovsk
Depending on the exact location of the explosion, this could be of great strategic importance. The only direct railway line from Russia to Crimea passes through Mais'ke (the nearest passenger station is in the adjacent village of Azovsk).
Ammunition depot explosion location
Therefore, it is possible that the explosion cut off one of Russia's main routes to Crimea and southern Ukraine . UXO is particularly difficult to repair if it is scattered over a wide area.
munitions depot explosion
Mais'ke's ammunition explosion is not impossible to be an accident - Russia has consumed a lot of ammunition and is now likely to rely on older stocks, which tend to be less stable. Especially if you rely on manual labor, accidents are likely to occur.
Substation explosion
But an explosion was also reported at a substation in Dzhankoi. I haven't seen it geolocated yet, but it could be related to the main Simferopol-Jankoy-Melitopol railway line, which is electrified
Both happened on the same morning looking at It doesn't seem like a coincidence. Does this represent a coordinated attack by Ukraine, possibly using sabotage, to paralyze Russian rail transport in Crimea?