Crimea Bans Children’s Summer Camps After Major Ukrainian Attack

June 22, 2026 A children's summer camp group in Moscow. Sergei Kiselev / Moskva News Agency Kremlin-backed authorities in Crimea announced Monday a total ban on organized children’s vacation groups for the remainder of the summer, as the annexed peninsula grapples with intensifying Ukrainian attacks and acute fuel shortages. Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-appointed governor of Crimea, issued an order suspending “all bookings, admissions and accommodations for children and youth groups at recreational, wellness and hospitality facilities” across the region. The ban, effective from June 22 until Sept. 1, also halts accommodations for “tourism-related events such as rallies, festivals, sports camps and excursions.” The sweeping restrictions follow the suspension of gasoline sales over the weekend, triggered by ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes targeting the fuel trucks that supply the peninsula. Between Saturday night and Sunday morning, Ukraine launched one of its largest assaults on the peninsula in recent months, targeting military and energy infrastructure. Four people were killed in the strikes, authorities said. The state-owned energy company Krymenergo reported widespread network damage and blackouts across Crimea following the Ukrainian air attack. The electrical failures have also disrupted water supplies, the utility company Voda Kryma said. Kremlin-backed authorities have urged residents to drastically cut energy consumption, including by turning off air conditioning and other high-energy household appliances. Ukraine has escalated its attacks on Russia and annexed Crimea in recent months. In particular, Kyiv has targeted Russian oil and energy infrastructure in a bid to deprive the Kremlin of the energy revenues used to finance its war. Read more about: Crimea , Children Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more ‘Together Forever’: Russian Schoolchildren Mark 11 Years Since Crimea Annexation With Patriotic Activities Across Russia, schoolchildren of all ages are taking part in anniversary events that follow the Kremlin's version of the annexation. 5 Min read Crimean Pair Arrested Over Russian Naval Officer’s Car Bomb Killing Ukrainian security services claimed responsibility for last week’s attack in Sevastopol, which killed Captain First Rank Valery Trankovsky. 1 Min read Car Blast Kills Soldier in Annexed Crimea, Russian Officials Say Police investigators launched a terrorism investigation into the incident, saying that the blast was likely caused by an explosive device. 2 Min read Police in Annexed Crimea Charge Woman Over 10-Year-Old Daughter’s ‘Pro-Ukraine’ Video “Taking into account the age of the schoolgirl, her 38-year-old mother will be held administratively liable,” law enforcement officials said. 1 Min read