Explosions in Crimea raise security fears for Russian forces; shelling continues to cause civilian casualties in Donetsk.

On day 175 of the Russia-Ukraine war, concerns over security in Crimea are escalating. According to a British intelligence update, both Russian and Ukrainian authorities have confirmed an explosion at an ammunition depot near Dzhankoi in northern Crimea, damaging nearby infrastructure, including a railway and substation. The Ministry of Defence noted that these incidents are increasing Russian military leaders’ concerns about the security of the region, which Russia annexed in 2014.

In the eastern Donetsk region, which has been a focal point of the Russian offensive, heavy shelling has resulted in civilian casualties. Two civilians were killed, and seven others were injured as Russian forces continue their efforts to gain ground in the Donbas region, intensifying attacks on towns and villages.