Explosion rocks Russia’s Black Sea Fleet HQ in ‘Ukrainian kamikaze drone strike’ as Putin’s invasion stalls

UKRAINE has reportedly unleashed a kamikaze drone strike on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Crimea as Putin’s invasion continues to stall.

Footage shared on social media appears to show huge plumes of black smoke rising from the base in Sevastopol as tourists watched on in horror.

The latest reported strikes comes a day after explosions erupted near military bases in Russian-held areas of Ukraine and Russia itself in apparent displays of Kyiv’s growing ability to pummel Moscow’s assets far from front lines.

It’s understood the naval HQ suffered a direct hit as a drone exploded on the roof while terrified Russian tourists fled the popular summer peninsula. 

Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev wrote on Telegram: “I am at the (Black Sea) Fleet’s headquarters now.

“A drone hit the roof here 25 minutes ago. Unfortunately, it was not downed. There are no casualties.”

It is the second time the HQ has been subject to a drone attack.

A bomb was dropped on the site on July 31, forcing the cancellation of planned Navy day celebrations and injuring six people.

Meanwhile, a Russian air base in the peninsula was struck last week, which Western officials confirmed destroyed half of Moscow’s Black Sea naval aviation force.

Fresh explosions were today reported at Putin’s Black Sea Fleet HQ in the village of Belbek, near Sevastopol.

Footage appears to show a slow-moving drone in the sky above the city, which Russia’s air defence seemingly failed to intercept despite frantic attempts.

Ukrainian politician Refat Chubarov wrote on Facebook: “At 8.20am, near the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in the occupied city of Aqyar/Sevastopol, a powerful explosion was heard.”

Russia also suffered incoming attacks on resort Yevpatoriya, north of Sevastopol.

Following the latest blasts, one resident from Yevpatoriya has vowed to leave Crimea, which has been occupied by Russia since 2014.

Dasha, a dancer trainer, said it is time to “leave” the region as it has now been brought into the war zone after Ukraine became armed with new longer range missiles.

Speaking with terror in her voice, she said: “Leave here. F***ing hell, just look at this!

“Guys this is so f***ed up. This is online from Zaozerka. 

“My thoughts are we’ve got to leave Crimea.”

Meanwhile, new jaw-dropping footage has revealed the destruction of one of Putin’s ammunition depots after a reported attack by “Ukrainian saboteurs”.

Huge red and yellow flames were seen for miles after the Russian ammo dump in Belgorod went up in smoke – just 30 miles from the Ukraine border.

Despite the explosion sparking tremors and sending a huge fireball into the night sky Russia claims the military base was not damaged and there were no casualties.

It comes after Russia’s Black Sea Fleet was given a new commander after a series of setbacks.

Vice Admiral Viktor Sokolov was appointed this week following the removal of Igor Osipov, its head since 2019.

In April, the fleet’s flagship, the cruiser Moskva, was sunk in what Ukraine’s Defence Ministry said was a missile strike.

Two months later, the Black Sea Fleet withdrew from strategically vital Snake Island, near the Ukrainian port of Odesa.