VIDEO: Massive explosions at Russian airbase in Crimea caused by ‘cigarette’
Smoke billows from the explosions site near Novofedorivka, Crimea. AP
Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov suggested that smoking cigarettes at an ammunition and air base in Russia annexed Crimea caused the massive explosions.
The authorities said that nine Russian warplanes were destroyed in a deadly string of explosions at the base in Crimea.
The Russian Information Agency, quoting the Defense Ministry, said that the explosion that took place at a Russian air base in Crimea was caused by an explosion of ammunition, and that there were no casualties without giving any further details.
The ministry added that there was no attack on the base, nor was any military equipment damaged in the blast.
"I think that Russian military guys in this airbase ruined a very simple known rule: don’t smoke in dangerous places" said Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov when asked about the implications of the Ukrainian army in the explosion at the Novofedorivka Russian airbase located in occupied Crimea.
"I can’t comment on this particular event yesterday but you know, overall, it would be legitimate if it was an attack by Ukraine, it would be in accordance with international law" added UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace.
Eyewitnesses said they heard several explosions and saw smoke rising from the direction of a Russian military air base in Novovidorivka, west of Crimea, on Tuesday.
Video clips on social media also showed smoke rising over the area.
Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.
