Fire caused by Russian air defence operations has been raging for seven days in occupied Yalta: 50 hectares of forest are ablaze, and city is shrouded in smoke. VIDEO

In the temporarily occupied Crimea, a forest fire has been burning for the seventh consecutive day in the mountainous area near Yalta (in the Autka neighbourhood).

According to Censor.NET, the first reports of the fire came in on the night of 19 August, following the repulsion of a drone attack by Russian air defence systems. The initial area affected was estimated at several hectares, but this subsequently rose to 10, and by 21 August had reached 50 hectares.

Firefighting efforts are being significantly hampered by the challenging terrain (steep mountain slopes), the lack of nearby water sources and strong gusts of wind. Due to the smog and smoke that has engulfed the city, residents of Yalta are complaining of breathing difficulties.