Russian tourists stranded in Crimea facing difficult conditions and high costs

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Russian visitors trapped in Crimea as a result of the recent Kerch Bridge incident face challenging circumstances and expensive expenditures.

According to accounts, travellers are charged 500 rubles ($5.50) to use the toilets, and they are urged to carry their own water supply. The attack on the bridge connecting Russia to Moscow-annexed Crimea killed two parents and seriously injured their daughter. It has fueled fears of an escalation in the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine.

On his Twitter feed, Anton Gerashchenko, an assistant to Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, published translated comments from stranded travellers. The ads detail the difficulties that tourists confront, such as rising water prices and the closing of free bathrooms at gas stations. Tourists are apparently charged 500 rubles for bathroom use, with discounts available for particular groups.

The issue has hampered the vacation plans of Russian visitors, who are frustrated by the circumstances. Long lines and document inspections have been reported at customs checkpoints. The bridge’s destruction has hampered operations and caused traffic bottlenecks, hurting both military and civilian vehicles.

This is the second time in a year that the Kerch bridge has been seriously damaged. The attack has severely damaged the vital transportation corridor, with satellite photographs revealing destroyed portions of the bridge. The assault was carried out by two Ukrainian marine drones, according to Russia’s National Anti-Terrorist Committee, although Ukrainian officials have yet to accept responsibility for the detonation.

The scenario has heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, creating harsh circumstances for stranded visitors in Crimea who face exorbitant expenses and difficult transit restrictions.

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