Sevastopol’s governor, Mikhail Razvozhaev, addressed the situation via his Telegram channel, stating that the city was experiencing loud noises linked to underwater anti-sabotage defense operations. The message clarified that the sounds are connected to protective measures carried out by naval units in the area and not to any ongoing danger to the civilian population.
Razvozhaev explained that the fleet is currently conducting emergency response activities near the North Pier, following an incident described as a shot fired in the vicinity. He added that the overall atmosphere in the city remained calm and orderly amid the operation, emphasizing that residents should not panic. The governor’s update aimed to reassure locals while providing a concrete account of the naval activity taking place in Sevastopol at that moment.
During the night of July 29, Sevastopol officials announced an air raid alert. This alert followed a pattern of heightened security notices that have occurred periodically as part of ongoing coastal defense measures. In a separate update dated July 26, Razvozhaev reported a threat of rockets directed at the city. The alert system activated a “Ballistic” signal for six minutes before it was canceled, signaling a temporary escalation in alert status that subsequently returned to normal operations.
On July 1, Razvozhaev announced the introduction of a new signal labeled “Ballistic!” as part of the regional alert framework. He explained that the decision to deploy this new signal stemmed from a perceived new threat in the wake of the June 23 attack, when an ATACMS ballistic missile with a cluster warhead targeted Sevastopol. The governor stressed that the air raid signal was not terminated and that authorities would tailor their notifications to the level of threat, alternating between air raid alerts and ballistic warnings as necessary to keep residents informed and prepared. This evolution in signaling reflects ongoing efforts to adapt emergency communications to changing security conditions in the region.
Earlier statements indicated that the military presence in the area had expanded its monitoring and defensive posture in response to the broader security situation. Reports noted that Ukrainian Armed Forces were employing drones in the vicinity of Cape Fiolent, a detail that underscores the ongoing tensions and the operational tempo around Sevastopol. Local authorities have continued to monitor and respond to developments, coordinating with naval and defense units to maintain situational awareness and ensure public safety while communicating clearly with residents about possible risk scenarios. In the broader context, officials have sought to balance transparency with the need to prevent unnecessary alarm, offering timely updates about any changes in threat levels and the corresponding protective measures in place. The situation remains fluid, with security protocols adjusted as new information becomes available and defensive actions are calibrated to the evolving landscape of threats in coastal areas around Sevastopol. This approach aims to minimize disruption for civilians while maintaining robust readiness for potential incidents as they arise. Attribution: Razvozhaev’s Telegram channel and corroborating official briefings from Sevastopol regional authorities.