The Ukrainian Ministry of Recovery, Infrastructure, and Transport is negotiating with neighboring countries to move border and customs controls outside Ukrainian territory. This decision was a necessary step due to regular attacks by Russian troops on border infrastructure, which endanger people’s lives and disrupt logistics.
This was stated by First Deputy Minister Serhiy Derkach, who noted that the ministry is currently exploring such possibilities with each neighboring country. Details are published by SUD.UA.
Why the Need to Relocate the Border Arose
Against the backdrop of escalation and border incidents, the security of transportation hubs has been threatened. In particular, in September in Volyn, a Russian drone attack damaged infrastructure near the “Yagodin” border crossing on the border with Poland, where falling debris sparked a fire. Similar incidents have been reported in other areas as well, forcing border guards to regularly suspend operations at checkpoints during air raid alerts.
Joint border crossing points on the territory of neighboring countries will help address several critical challenges at once:
- Safe crossing. Protecting civilians, drivers, and service personnel from direct strikes and shelling in the border zone.
- Uninterrupted logistics. Avoiding prolonged downtime and cargo delays during air raid alerts.
- Streamlined procedures. Faster customs and border control thanks to joint efforts with foreign counterparts.
Neighbors’ Experience and Next Steps
As Serhiy Derkach noted, Ukraine already has a successful track record of such cooperation with Moldova, as well as, to some extent, with Poland, where joint checkpoints are in operation. Currently, the government aims to expand this practice to all border sections to ensure stable exports, imports, and passenger transportation despite security risks within the country.
