In Crimea, vouchers for locals were given to war veterans

In the annexed Crimea, approaches to the distribution of preferential vouchers in sanatoriums have changed ahead of the 2026 holiday season. According to human rights activists, local residents are increasingly being denied free healthcare, with priority given to participants in Russia's war against Ukraine and their families.

According to Krym.Realii, citing local activists, since the beginning of the year, most of the preferential vouchers have been redirected to the military and their families. As a result, criminals with medical conditions are forced to pay for treatment on their own, which is unaffordable for many due to the high cost.

Officially, the Russian authorities do not claim to have changed the rules, but confirm that the rehabilitation of the military is a state priority. The relevant agencies emphasize that war veterans and their children have the priority right to rest in sanatoriums.

Experts note that after the occupation, the peninsula is increasingly being used not only as a resort, but also as a base for treatment and rehabilitation of the military. Eskender Bariiev stated this, in particular, emphasizing that sanatoriums and hospitals actually work as part of a large military medical system.

At the same time, the cost of recreation in Crimea is rising - according to forecasts, prices for sanatorium vouchers may rise by 15-20%. This, along with the decline in the income of the Russian population, could lead to an outflow of tourists.

Environmental risks remain a separate issue. There are still Volgoneft tankers in the Black Sea that have been damaged, causing a fuel oil leak. Despite this, Russian authorities continue to announce the opening of beaches and the tourist season.

The Ukrainian National Resistance Center emphasizes that traveling to Crimea is now fraught with risks and cannot be considered a safe vacation.

Андрій Колісніченко