Russia Announces Closure of 20 Border Crossing Points with Ukraine: Response from Ukrainian Border Service
In the fourth year of Russia's large-scale war against Ukraine, an official statement revealed that the Russian government has decided to close an additional 20 border crossing points between the two countries.
The decision, made on August 1st, affects crossings established under an agreement between Russia and Ukraine signed back in 1995.
According to the official document, the list includes 13 road and 7 rail crossings, now officially closed for transit.
The Ukrainian State Border Guard Service emphasizes that all border crossings with Russia have been closed since the start of the full-scale invasion, and crossings are no longer operational in their traditional form.
Border Guard spokesman Colonel Andriy Demchenko commented that the rationale behind Russia’s decision remains unclear.
“It’s difficult to understand the logic of the aggressor country, especially in the fourth year of this conflict.
Many of these crossings are located within the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk and Donetsk regions, seized by Russia since 2014, such as the Donetsk checkpoint on the Rostov border,” he noted.
It should be reminded that Ukraine, since the beginning of the invasion, has also closed all its border crossing points with Russia, making regular crossing virtually impossible.
Demchenko further stressed that Ukraine remains ready to facilitate the return of its citizens at any crossing point along the border, citing the example of the Pokrovka checkpoint in Sumy region, which is currently not operational.
“This also depends on Russia’s willingness to cooperate in ensuring safe return,” he added.
The ongoing situation highlights the tense and complex diplomatic and security issues between Ukraine and Russia, reflecting the broader context of this ongoing conflict.