Crimean Peninsula Hit By New Rail Cuts, Flights to Moscow Curbed

Russia Limits Access to Crimea

Russia has announced plans to drastically cut the number of passenger trains running to the Crimean Peninsula, while also reducing the number of flights to Moscow. The move comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and follows the construction of a bridge linking the peninsula to Russia.

According to the Russian Ministry of Transport, the number of passenger trains running to Crimea will be reduced from 11 to 5 per day, with the cuts taking effect from March 1. The ministry said that the decision was made due to "low passenger demand".

Limited Flights

In addition, the number of flights between Crimea and Moscow will be reduced from 11 to 7 per day. The cuts will affect Aeroflot, Russia's national airline, as well as other Russian carriers.

The Russian government has not provided a reason for the flight cuts, but it is believed to be related to the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Russia has been accused of supporting separatist rebels in the region, and Ukraine has imposed a blockade on trade with Crimea in response.

New Bridge

The new bridge linking Crimea to Russia was opened in May 2018 and has been hailed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a major achievement. However, the bridge has also been criticized by Ukraine and its Western allies, who view it as an illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory.

The construction of the bridge has led to increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and has also raised concerns about the security of the Crimean Peninsula. The Russian government has deployed additional troops to Crimea in recent months, and there are fears that the region could become a flashpoint for further conflict.