Support The Moscow Times!

Train Service Between Russia And Ukraine Faces Ban

Ukrainian authorities may place restrictions on trains entering at the country's border with Russia starting from May 10, making travel by rail difficult between the two countries, Russian Railways corporate television reported Wednesday.

In the middle of April crossing the border had already become difficult for Russian residents, in particular men ages 16 to 60. Passengers crossing the Ukrainian border were repeatedly forced off from trains with special attention given to journalists, news reports said.

The authorities said at the time the measure was necessary because of alleged attempts by provocateurs to enter Ukraine to destabilize the region.

Over 10 million people travelled by train between Russia and Ukraine in 2013. In the first quarter of 2014 the ridership fell by 40 percent compared to the same period last year.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more