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In Simferopol, the National Resistance Center (NRC) reports that gauleiter Aksyonov has announced 'exercises' involving BARS-Crimea units, the Russian Ministry of Defense, and security agencies. These drills are officially presented as a response to 'sabotage groups,' but are seen as a means to intensify surveillance and control over civilians.

The NRC indicates that this reflects a systematic intimidation policy in occupied territories, where the distinction between exercises and punitive actions is blurred. The ongoing presence of security forces aims to normalize total control over the population.

The drills are characterized as a display of force and a method to instill fear rather than genuine security measures. Additionally, the Russian administration in occupied Kherson is negotiating with Belarus for the transfer of part of the Azov-Black Sea coastline for resort development.