In Crimea, mobile internet will be turned off on New Year's Eve for "safety" reasons.

In the temporarily occupied Crimea, Russians will turn off mobile internet on the night of December 31 to January 1. The reason given is supposedly to ensure security on the peninsula.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the Telegram channel "Crimea Realities".

According to the advisor to the occupying head of Crimea, Oleg Kryuchkov, such actions are motivated by "ensuring security" in Crimea.

"Mobile internet can be disconnected at any time, not just during the night. However, mobile communication (calls, SMS) will remain operational," he stated.

At the same time, according to the report, all cable internet providers on the peninsula will "provide services as usual (meaning home, office, and city connections and Wi-Fi will function)."

Occupation of Crimea

The occupation of Crimea by Russia began in February 2014 with the seizure of key sites on the peninsula. Under military pressure, the Kremlin held an illegal "referendum" on March 16, which Ukraine and the world did not recognize, and announced the annexation, violating international law.

The occupation has led to repression against Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars, human rights violations, and militarization of the region. Russia has turned Crimea into a military base and is altering the demographics by relocating its citizens.

Previously, RBK-Ukraine had reported that in the temporarily occupied Crimea, Russians will turn off mobile internet. However, it was not specified which exact days the disconnections would occur.