“Railway communication with one of the regions of Russia can only cause the joy of the population, first of all, among Crimeans. And the statements of the American embassy, although it is regrettable, nevertheless will not affect the schedule of trains from mainland Russia to the peninsula, ”he said.
Balbek noted that the United States "deliberately rejects everything that happens in Crimea over the past five years."
“All the improvements that have been made for residents of the peninsula, the US embassy perceives as a reason for protests. Protests by American diplomats have become an integral part of Crimean life. However, the Crimeans themselves do not pay any attention to these statements, ”he added.
The US Embassy in Ukraine has previously condemned the launch of train traffic on the Crimean Bridge, saying that such actions by Russia "demonstrate a blatant disrespect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."
Crimea became the Russian region after a referendum held there in March 2014, where most residents spoke out for reunification with Russia.