Crimea Deploys Street Phones for Emergencies Amid Attacks and Outages
Emergency Communication Measures and Impact of Ongoing Conflict
Introduction: New Emergency Phone Installations
YEVPATORIYA, Crimea, July 23 (Reuters) - Russian-controlled Crimea has installed public street phones for emergency calls to the police and ambulance service, providing an alternative to mobile communications that are often jammed as the territory comes under frequent Ukrainian attacks.
Background: Crimea’s Strategic Importance and Conflict
Ukraine has hit supply lines, military bases and power plants in Crimea, which Russia captured from Ukraine and annexed unilaterally in 2014 in a move not recognised by most countries.
Ukraine, which is under constant attack from Russian missiles and drones, says it is trying to isolate Crimea and undermine Moscow's war effort.
Recent Attacks and Civilian Impact
On Wednesday, local authorities in Crimea said 17 civilians were injured in an overnight drone attack on the southern city of Yalta, where a high-rise apartment was hit. Both Russia and Ukraine deny they deliberately target civilians.
Implementation of Emergency Phones
Deployment Across Yevpatoriya
The administration of Yevpatoriya on Crimea's west coast says it has set up phones across the city for calls to emergency services. A Reuters witness has seen several such phones in the city.
Local Response and Utility
Resident Perspective
"If they work during power outage - and I wish no one would ever want them - as an additional possibility for protection in this world, it's very good," said Maria Ushakova, a local resident, about the phones.
Wider Impact on Daily Life in Crimea
Crimea, a popular holiday destination, has suffered power outages and fuel shortages, the latter caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on supply chains and oil refineries in Russia. It has had to cancel children's summer camps and reduce the working hours of cafes and public transport.
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Christian Schmollinger)
