Ukraine: Border controls increased in eastern regions November 28 /update 4

Event

The Ukrainian government has increased security checks at all border crossings in regions bordering Russia, the Sea of Azov, and Crimea, following the introduction of martial law on Wednesday, November 28. The State Border Guard has indicated that all foreign citizens will be subject to increased scrutiny and may be banned from entering Ukraine at the discretion of border guards. In addition, Ukrainian authorities have imposed an entry ban on all foreign citizens transiting crossings into Crimea. Currently, martial law is slated to remain in effect until December 27. A continued heightened security presence is to be expected near the border until further notice.

Context

The Ukrainian parliament approved President Petro Poroshenko's martial law bill for 30 days beginning Wednesday, November 28, in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporishia, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Vinnitsa regions, as well as the Azov-Kerch Strait basin. Under the martial law decree, authorities can restrict public rallies, regulate media, impose curfews, increase security measures at government buildings and other points of interest, seize private property, and call for military mobilization by eligible citizens, among other measures. The order is in response to a November 25 incident in the Kerch Strait in which Russian forces opened fire on Ukrainian naval vessels and arrested several Ukrainian sailors.

Advice

Individuals in Ukraine are advised to monitor developments to the situation, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities, and be prepared for disruptions at land border crossings. Due to the ongoing conflict, many Western governments advise against travel to the far east of Ukraine, including the cities of Donetsk, Horlivka, Makiyivka, and Luhansk.