Shutdowns are necessary to prevent the control and targeting of Ukrainian drones at objects in southern Russian regions.

Restrictions will affect Black Sea coastal cities, particularly Crimea. Network disruptions may last from several hours to several days. However, voice calls and SMS over cellular networks will continue to operate normally.

Local residents and tourists are advised to use alternative internet connection methods—municipal, office, and home lines, as well as Wi-Fi. This will help maintain network access, including for taxi services and banking applications, according to the operational headquarters of the Republic of Crimea.

Additionally: Sochi authorities have warned about channels spreading reports of UAV attacks. The city administration cautioned that links to these channels are being widely shared in popular communities and mislead users.

The city hall noted that such communities may be controlled from abroad, and their posts could contain disinformation.

Black Sea

The Black Sea, located between Southeastern Europe and Western Asia, has been a vital trade and cultural crossroads for millennia, linking Europe, the Caucasus, and the Middle East. Historically, it was home to ancient Greek colonies, Byzantine ports, and Ottoman trade routes, while its unique anoxic deep waters preserve ancient shipwrecks. Today, it remains geopolitically significant, bordered by six countries and serving as a key hub for commerce and tourism.

Crimea

Crimea is a peninsula on the northern coast of the Black Sea, known for its strategic importance and diverse cultural history. It has been ruled by various powers, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Russians, and was part of the Soviet Union before being transferred to Ukraine in 1954. Today, it is a disputed region, annexed by Russia in 2014 but still internationally recognized as part of Ukraine, and is home to historic sites like the ancient Greek city of Chersonesus and the Khan’s Palace in Bakhchisaray.

Sochi

Sochi is a major resort city on the Black Sea coast in southern Russia, known for its subtropical climate, beaches, and mountainous scenery. It gained international fame as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympics, which led to significant infrastructure development. Historically, the area was inhabited by indigenous Circassian peoples before becoming part of the Russian Empire in the 19th century.