State Border Guard Service of Ukraine
The State Border Guard Service spoke about the implementation of the Secure Border project and strengthening the protection of the northern borders. Fortifications are being built on the border with Belarus and the video surveillance system is being expanded.
The Center for Countering Disinformation denied fake reports of Russian troops breaking through the border in the north of Chernihiv region. The State Border Guard Service confirms no breakthrough, but warns of the threat of shelling.
Ukraine's border saw a significant increase in passenger traffic during the New Year and Christmas period. On peak days, the number of crossings reached 150,000 people per day, while on holidays, the figures dropped to 32,000.
Since the beginning of martial law in Ukraine, more than 50 people have died trying to cross the border illegally. Half of the deaths occurred in 2024, in particular, while trying to cross the Tisa River.
The State Border Guard Service reports a decrease in attempts to illegally cross the border in recent days. Violators use various disguises, including special equipment and joining funeral processions.
Border guards at the Nyzhankovychi checkpoint found 61 gold bars in the armrest of a Toyota. The 37-year-old Donetsk resident and her passenger could not explain the origin of the gold worth UAH 6 million.
Two men dressed as railroad workers and trying to illegally enter Slovakia were detained in Zakarpattia. The offenders and their guides were detained near the border fence.
The Verkhovna Rada has approved Ukraine's defense budget for 2025 in the amount of UAH 2. 22 trillion. The Ministry of Defense will receive the most funds - UAH 1.57 trillion, the Ministry of Internal Affairs - UAH 438 billion, and the National Guard - UAH 161 billion.
The government has updated the rules for crossing the border for men aged 18-25 who served under contract in the Armed Forces. A special certificate from the unit commander and a military registration document are now required to leave.
High passenger traffic of up to 150 thousand people per day has been recorded at the Ukrainian border. 85% of the total flow is made up of Ukrainians, half of whom cross the border with Poland.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine does not record any additional build-up of Russian forces on the border with Chernihiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Active hostilities continue in the direction of Lypky and Vovchansk.
A spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service said that there are not enough Russian troops in Belarus to invade again. No movements of equipment or personnel of the Russian and Belarusian armies have been observed at the border.
More than 150,000 people crossed the border of Ukraine every day before Christmas, 80% of whom were Ukrainians. Currently, passenger traffic is at the level of 100-115 thousand people per day, with a preference for leaving the country.
In Sumy, a law enforcement officer was detained for passing on information about the location of checkpoints and passwords for travel in exchange for money. The offender managed to receive UAH 30 thousand from a local resident.
On Christmas Day, 68,000 people crossed the border on December 25, which is significantly less than in previous days. Border guards note the highest passenger traffic dynamics during martial law during the New Year holidays.
The SBGS reports a decrease in attempts to illegally cross the border from August to December 2023. Most violations are recorded on the border with Romania and Moldova, and the least - with Poland.
The Army+ app launches the Plus program for the military with access to special offers. Among the partners are Ukrzaliznytsia and Ukrnafta, which provide discounts and preferences for defenders.
Border guards have recorded the highest number of border crossings during martial law - 150-154 thousand people per day. In the morning, there are no queues to leave Ukraine, and the border with Moldova is the least busy.
The deputy head of the Krakivets checkpoint organized a scheme to illegally cross the border with Poland. He helped people with fake disability certificates to bypass the queue and pass a simplified check.
During martial law, about 50 people have died trying to illegally cross the border across the Tisa River. Border guards regularly detect people with hypothermia during dangerous border crossings.
Passenger traffic at the Lviv region border increased by 25% before Christmas. The highest load is observed at the Krakivets, Shehyni, Smilnytsia, and Nyzhankovychi checkpoints.
Starting January 1, 2025, the Green Card will be valid only from the next day after issuance. Drivers will need to take out international insurance at least one day before traveling abroad.
Wildlife activity was recorded on the territory of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi border guard detachment. Foxes and wild boars were spotted among them, so citizens are asked to refrain from walking in this area.
Queues have formed at most checkpoints on Ukraine's western border. The longest queue is observed at Krakivets-Korchova - 240 cars and 25 buses.
On the western border of Ukraine, outbound passenger traffic has increased by 15% compared to the usual level. Smilnytsia and Uhryniv checkpoints remain the least busy.
Before Christmas, passenger traffic at the border increased by 15%, especially in the direction of departure. Krakivets, Shehyni, and Rava-Ruska have the longest queues, while Smilnytsia, Hrushev, and Uhryniv are less busy.
Drivers make up the largest category of men crossing the border into Ukraine. Of the 55,000 refusals to cross the border, a significant portion are drivers who could not confirm the purpose of their trip.
Ukraine's border has seen an increase in passenger traffic before the New Year and Christmas holidays to 88-97 thousand people per day. In 11 months of 2024, 32.3 million people crossed the border.
250 participants took part in the Kordon Race charity inclusive obstacle course race in Lviv. The event was aimed at raising funds for mine training simulators for combat units.
On the border with Poland, a sniffer dog found drugs and weapons in the suitcase of a 60-year-old British citizen. The luggage contained marijuana, amphetamine, two crossbows with arrows and rubber batons.