Russia’s security services are accusing Ukrainian spies of trying to recruit Crimeans en masse for a nefarious purpose: ruining the tourist season on the annexed peninsula.
Moscow took over Crimea in 2014 in a move that is still opposed by a majority of countries at the United Nations. Since then, Russia has attempted to transform the peninsula’s reputation, hoping it will be seen as a tourism hub rather than a contested territory. Officials have called on Russians to visit the seaside region by the millions, and flashy ads that promise fun for the whole family air on Russian TV.
