Temporary Suspension of Border Crossing Operations Amid Air Raid Warnings
To protect lives during air raid alerts, Ukraine temporarily halts operations at its border checkpoints. This procedure is enforced across all regions, including Volyn, Lviv, Chernivtsi, Zakarpattia, Odessa, and along the border with Moldova. Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, shared this information during an interview on the Novyny.LIVE TV channel.
Border guards adjust checkpoint operations based on the location and trajectory of hostile aircraft. Their response protocols vary depending on the alert level—yellow or red. When alarms sound, individuals at checkpoints are dispersed to prevent crowding, and when feasible, relocated to shelters for safety.
Impact of Russian Strikes on Border Crossing Points
Recent Russian attacks targeting the Odessa region have affected border facilities and surrounding areas. On September 9, the international automobile crossing point "Starokozache" on the Moldovan border suspended operations during an attack. Tragically, civilians near the checkpoint lost their lives in this strike. Demchenko explained,
“The civilians were near the checkpoint because, at the time of the attack, the border guards had already stopped operations inside the checkpoint. Those present were dispersed outside to avoid crowding.”
Given the current security challenges, maintaining strict control and coordination at border crossings is essential to safeguard the public.
Amid ongoing threats from the aggressor, Ukrainian border guards are taking active measures to protect people at the frontier. Halting border crossings during air raid alerts is a necessary step to reduce the risk to civilians. This highlights the critical importance of border security, especially as the situation can rapidly evolve due to military actions. Effective collaboration among border services and other agencies remains vital to ensuring public safety in these tense times.
As the situation at the border evolves, the potential for further disruptions remains. In a related report, it has been noted that Ukraine’s border crossings may face temporary suspensions during air raid alerts, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness amidst the escalating threats.