Kosyno-Barabas Border Crossing to Suspend Operations
The 'Kosyno-Barabas' border crossing between Ukraine and Hungary will be closed for technical works from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on March 10 and 11. During these hours, the processing and passage of citizens and vehicles in both directions will be halted. The maintenance involves connecting new operational modules to the electrical grid.
Alternative Border Crossings and Travel Advisory
Travelers are advised to use alternative checkpoints while the 'Kosyno-Barabas' crossing is closed. The recommended alternative border crossings are:
- 'Vylok – Tisabec'
- 'Velyka Palad – Nagyhalasz'
- 'Astei – Beregsurany'
In a separate development, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially urged its citizens to refrain from traveling to Hungary, stating that diplomats cannot guarantee the safety of Ukrainians on Hungarian territory. This advisory follows an incident on March 5, when 'Oschadbank' reported the kidnapping of its employees, armored vehicles, and valuables during a cash transport operation through Hungary. The incident occurred during the transportation of currency and bank metals between an Austrian bank and Ukraine.
In response, the National Bank of Ukraine has recommended that banks adjust their cross-border transport routes for valuables. Concurrently, Hungary has heightened security at 75 of its energy infrastructure sites, deploying military personnel, law enforcement, and private security companies. These measures reflect heightened regional security concerns. The situation underscores the complex security challenges in the region following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The temporary closure of the 'Kosyno-Barabas' crossing and Ukraine's travel advisory highlight escalating tensions and security issues along the shared border.
Given these recent events, Ukrainian citizens are advised to exercise caution when planning travel and to consider alternative border crossing routes. The reinforced protection of infrastructure in Hungary points to the serious nature of the threats emerging in the context of cross-border security and transport.