Tensions escalated on Sunday evening, September 21, when the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) carried out a strike on the southern region of Crimea.
The attack, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, involved drones loaded with high-explosive charges targeting civilian areas in the peninsula’s popular resort zone.
Details of the Drone Attack
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the assault occurred at around 19:30 Moscow time in a part of Crimea that houses no military facilities.
Officials described the strike as a “terrorist act” using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) armed with high-explosive devices, claiming the drones specifically targeted civilian infrastructure.
Casualties and Damage in Foros
Tragically, the attack resulted in three deaths and sixteen injuries, with twelve of the wounded requiring hospitalization.
Four patients were reported in serious condition. Fortunately, no children were among those admitted to hospitals.
The Foros Sanatorium suffered significant damage, and falling drone debris sparked fires in dry grass near Yalta.
A school in Foros was also hit: the assembly hall was destroyed, the library severely damaged, and a school guard sustained shrapnel injuries but survived.
Students were shifted to remote learning on Monday, September 22, according to Yanina Pavlenko, head of Yalta.
Birthday Party Interrupted Amid Explosions
The Luciano Wellness & SPA Foros Hotel was hosting a birthday celebration for a ten-year-old girl when the drones struck.
Guests initially mistook the buzzing and explosions for part of the entertainment, but the situation quickly escalated, and attendees were guided to shelters.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assault lasted for more than two hours.
Another event, marking the anniversary of the Luciano brand, was also underway at the hotel.
Witnesses described a drone flying toward the crowd as the host mentioned the company’s new venture, adding to the chaos.
Political Reactions and Wider Assaults
Mikhail Sheremet, a State Duma deputy, condemned the incident as a deliberate act of terrorism, promising retaliation against Ukraine.
He accused Kyiv of violating warfare norms by intentionally targeting civilians.
“Retribution is near, and the Kyiv regime will pay for its crimes. The war criminals will face a heavy price,” Sheremet declared.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that during the night of September 22, Ukrainian forces attempted drone strikes on ten Russian regions, including Rostov, Belgorod, Astrakhan, Bryansk, Yaroslavl, Volgograd, Kursk, and Voronezh.
Additional drones were intercepted over the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, alongside the strike on Crimea.