Government of Ukraine Bans Open Entry to 1-km Zone Along Northern Border With Russia and Belarus

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has enforced a special border regime in the one-kilometer zone along the northern state border with Russia and Belarus.

The government introduced the relevant changes to Resolution No. 1147, “On the Border Regime,” following instructions from the country’s leadership, the State Border Guard Service reported.

Unrestricted entry, presence, residence, movement of persons, and civil works execution are prohibited within land plots extending one kilometer along the border.

The restrictions do not apply to measures related to national defense or the protection of the state border.

Military personnel and law enforcement officers, as well as individuals who have obtained official permission from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, are allowed to remain in the zone.

The measures are prompted by the security situation in the North, the need to strengthen control and minimize risks to civilians, as well as mine hazard.

Violations of the special border regime rules will be classified as administrative offenses and will entail liability.