A curfew is effectively being imposed in occupied Crimea: what we know
The restrictions were announced by Sergey Aksyonov and Mikhail Razvozhayev, representatives of the occupying authorities in Crimea and Sevastopol.
A series of restrictions affecting the daily lives of residents on the peninsula have been announced in occupied Crimea and Sevastopol.
In particular, reports indicate the cancellation of mass street events, restrictions on public transport services, reduced opening hours for shopping centres and supermarkets, a halt to the sale of fuel to the public, and a decision not to switch on street lighting.
Formally, the occupying authorities may not refer to this as a curfew. However, taken together, these measures effectively restrict people’s movements in the evening and at night.
How transport will operate
According to media reports, public transport in Sevastopol will only operate during daylight hours.
There are also reports of restrictions on certain types of transport. Passenger boats are to replace ferries on some routes.
Previously, night-time restrictions on motorised vehicles had already been introduced on the peninsula, and the timetables for some transport services had been altered due to the security situation.
What is known about fuel sales
In occupied Crimea, the sale of fuel to individuals and businesses has been temporarily suspended.
According to Aksyonov’s statement, fuel is to be supplied only to state services that ensure the functioning and security of the peninsula.
In Sevastopol, it was also reported that a decision had been taken not to sell fuel to the public for two days.
Restrictions on the sale of petrol and diesel were introduced following fuel shortages on the peninsula.
What about shops and street lighting?
According to reports in local and Ukrainian media, shopping centres and supermarkets in Sevastopol will be open from 7.00 to 20.00.
The occupying authorities have also decided not to switch on street lighting.
These restrictions are explained by security considerations and the situation regarding resources.
Why is this being called a de facto curfew?
There is currently no official confirmation of the introduction of a traditional curfew across the whole of occupied Crimea.
However, the simultaneous restrictions on transport, trade, fuel, street lighting and public gatherings significantly limit people’s ability to move about in the evening and at night.
This is precisely why these measures effectively bring the peninsula closer to a curfew regime, even if the occupying authorities do not use that specific term.
The restrictions are being introduced following reports of attacks on fuel facilities, logistical disruptions and the tightening of security measures on the peninsula.
As reported by ThePublic
