Crimea Suspends Admissions to Children's Summer Camps Citing Safety
The Russian-installed administration in occupied Crimea has banned booking and accepting children's groups at camps from June 22 to September 1, citing public safety concerns.
Sergey Aksyonov, the Russian-installed head of occupied Crimea, announced on Tuesday that from June 22 through September 1, booking spots and accepting children's groups at camps on the peninsula is prohibited. "I ask for your understanding of the restrictions that have been put in place. In the current situation, these measures are necessary to ensure public safety," Aksyonov said.
According to the Telegram channel "Bloody Lady" (Krovavaya Barynya) run by journalist Ksenia Sobchak, sessions at the well-known children's camp "Artek" have been canceled. The channel cited messages from parents on social media. One parent reported that a bus carrying children to the camp was turned back to Kerch without explanation. A mother said her child's session was scheduled to begin that day, but Artek refused to accept some children, forcing them to spend the night at a college in Kerch.
The channel also reported that some chaperones and organizers were informed of the possible turnaround of children's groups and their return home. Another mother said her son was set to attend the "Art-Kvest" camp in Crimea but was told it would not accept its session. However, some parents said their children had already arrived and were on the camp's grounds.
Fuel crisis has persisted in Crimea since late May as Ukrainian drones have targeted fuel tankers and supply trucks along the R-280 "Novorossiya" highway. Overnight on June 21, following a Ukrainian strike, parts of Crimea were left without power due to what authorities called "technical damage" to the electrical grid. Officials urged residents to limit electricity use while repairs were underway, and scheduled power outages were introduced in Sevastopol.
