Closing of Crimea's administrative border is a 'shock' to local residents
Hundreds of people meaning to cross the border into Crimea on August 7 were surprised at the sudden “closure” of Crimea that Sunday. Social networks overflowed with posts of their fear and confusion, Krym.Realii reported.
“Today, hundreds of people at the Chonhar checkpoint were truly shocked. It was announced at the checkpoint that Crimea had closed down its borders for a few days due to a nighttime incident. Russian customs have not been working since 5 AM. However, local taxi drivers would bring people to the checkpoints in spite of being aware of that fact, not even bothering to inform them,” one of those who would cross the border wrote.
People have been standing in the full sun for more than eight hours. It was impossible to enter the peninsula or to go back because, according to people, there were no train tickets from Novooleksiyivka.
On the morning of August 7, Russian media started to disseminate information about an alleged shooting at the administrative border with the Crimea without official confirmation. Russian media also stated that Ukrainian officials closed the crossing at the administrative border.
The First Deputy Head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, Nariman Jelal, spoke of big groups of Russian soldiers gathered North of Crimea on August 7. According to him, Dzhankoy was completely encircled by the Russian military. Military equipment was also spotted in Kerch.
Inhabitants of the peninsula told Krym.Realii about roadblocks being set up in certain regions of the peninsula. Crimean authorities have not yet released any comments or explanations regarding the situation.