Russian authorities on Monday accused Ukrainian forces of firing at offshore oil rigs off Crimea, citing at least three injuries and ongoing rescue operations.
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“This morning the enemy attacked the Chernomorneftegaz drilling platforms. I am in contact with our colleagues from the Ministry of Defense and (from the special services) of the FSB, we are trying to save people“Said on Telegram the governor installed by Moscow after the annexation in 2014 of Crimea, Sergei Aksionov. According to him, a total of 109 people were on three platforms and 21 of them in all were evacuated.
He indicates that the first platform was the hardest hit: “There were 12 people on it, five of them were injured, the search for the others continues“. This research takes placewith the participation of patrol ships and air assets“, he added. Olga Kovitidi, designated senator from Crimea by Moscow, told the Russian agency Ria Novosti that there were no victims on the other two platforms.
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Sergueï Aksionov did not specify which installations had been affected according to him, but the Chernomorneftegaz company operates several gas and oil fields in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, off the coast of Crimea. This is the first reported strike against offshore hydrocarbon infrastructure in Crimea since the start of Russia’s offensive against Ukraine since late February.
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