Crimea Bans Motorcycles at Night Over Drone Fears

New restrictions on motorcyclists are coming into force in Crimea. The Russian-installed authorities have banned motorcycles, scooters and quad bikes between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Wednesday.

Officials said the vehicles’ engine noise resembles the sound of drones and could hamper the work of air defense systems during Ukrainian attacks. The temporary measure is intended to protect military installations and other important facilities.

Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Crimea, targeting military sites, energy infrastructure and supply routes. The attacks have contributed to fuel shortages on the peninsula, where a limit of 20 liters per car at petrol stations will remain in place.

Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, is strategically important to Moscow and is home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

(reuters, mja)