Crimea has banned motorcycles at night because they resemble drones
Starting June 17, new restrictions were introduced in occupied Crimea for owners of motorcycles, mopeds, and other motorized vehicles. Russian authorities cite security concerns as the reason, claiming that the sound of engines allegedly interferes with the detection of Ukrainian drones.
New restrictions for owners of mopeds, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles were introduced in occupied Crimea on June 17. From now on, riding them at night is prohibited. The ban will remain in effect at least until further notice.
According to the new rules, riding motorcycles, mopeds, and other similar vehicles is prohibited between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Russian authorities claim that these measures were introduced to “ensure public safety” and protect military and strategic facilities.
Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to the Russian-appointed head of Crimea, explained that the engines of mopeds and motorcycles create problems for mobile fire teams operating during airstrikes. According to him, the sound of a two-wheeled vehicle’s engine is very similar to the noise of a drone’s engine. “The sounds of moped engines drown out the sound of a drone’s engine,” Kryuchkov said.
He also urged parents to talk to their children and explain the dangers of nighttime rides. “The machine guns of mobile fire teams operate at night based on the sound of engines; situations can vary. Sometimes tragic,” he said. In addition, the representative of the occupying authorities claimed that Ukrainian special services allegedly recruit teenagers for nighttime trips, though he provided no evidence to support these claims.
Recently, Crimea has been regularly subjected to drone attacks. Ukrainian drones are striking military facilities, industrial enterprises, and fuel infrastructure. Over the past few weeks, there have been reports of attacks on fuel tankers and trucks transporting fuel to the peninsula. Strikes on various logistics facilities have also been recorded.
Following a drone attack on a Moscow–Simferopol train on June 10, Crimea has already imposed another restriction. Since then, long-distance passenger trains have ceased operating at night. Now, motorized vehicles are also subject to restrictions. The occupying authorities have not specified exactly how long the ban will last. It is known only that it will remain in effect “until further notice.”
As a result, nighttime traffic in Crimea is becoming increasingly restricted amid constant drone attacks and heightened security measures on the peninsula. This was reported by representatives of the Russian administration of the peninsula.
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