Postal carrier Maltapost has temporarily suspended its services to the riot-stricken Ukrainian region of Crimea following instructions from the area’s postal provider.

In a statement, the local carrier yesterday said it had been informed by Ukrposhta, the Ukrainian post operator, there were “too many obstacles” in delivering mail to the Crimean peninsula as well as Sevastopol.

Riots have raged on in the region since the outcome of a vote on whether Russia should annex the peninsula was met with widespread scepticism from the international community.

Ninety-seven per cent had voted in favour of the motion, however, fewer than a fifth of Ukrainians actually made it to the polling booths.

Maltapost said it would keep the public informed of any further developments.