MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Advice from a consumer’s rights advocacy recommending Russian tourists get permission from Kiev authorities before visiting the Crimean Peninsula is “completely absurd” since Crimea is part of Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.
“Recommendations for tourist routes is not in the Kremlin’s authority, first of all, and secondly, Crimea as you know is a Russian region so advice from the organization that you’re speaking about is completely absurd.”
The Russian Consumer Rights Protection Society (OZPP) published a memo earlier recommending Russian citizens planning to visit the Black Sea peninsula obtain permission from Ukraine.
OZPP, designated in Russia as a foreign agent, warned that tourists may face fines or 15-day arrests for unsanctioned travels to Crimea, and warned them against purchasing real estate in the region.