Russian-installed authorities in occupied Crimea have banned mopeds, motorcycles, and other motorized two-wheelers from operating at night, effective June 17 and until further notice.

The ban runs from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Authorities said its purpose is “ensuring public safety and protecting military, important government, and special facilities.”

Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to the Russian-appointed head of Crimea, said moped noise interferes with fire teams because motorized two-wheelers and drones sound alike.

“There are several reasons to talk to your children and explain: The sound of moped engines drowns out the sound of a drone’s engine; the enemy is recruiting your children for nighttime rides; the machine guns of mobile fire teams work at night on the sound of an engine, and situations can vary. Sometimes tragic,” Kryuchkov said.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Crimea has been regularly targeted by Ukrainian drones. In recent weeks, strikes have hit industrial facilities, as well as fuel tankers and trucks transporting fuel to the annexed peninsula.

Since June 10, after a drone strike on a Moscow–Simferopol train, long-distance passenger trains have stopped running in Crimea at night.