Restrictions imposed by Ukraine

According to the decision of the Commander of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), crossing the contact line in Donbas has been limited. Crossing into the government-controlled territory is allowed only to those with residence registration in this territory. To cross in the opposite direction, meaning to enter non-government-controlled territory, one has to have residence registration there.

Such restrictions have been criticized by Ukraine’s civil society and human rights defenders. They began to receive complaints from people who could not leave the occupied territory in order to buy medications, evacuate people in grave medical conditions or to undergo a planned surgery.

On 18 March, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine explained how to act in case people need to cross the contact line to ensure their critical life needs, for example, if there is an urgent need for medical treatment, for going to work or an educational facility, or if a close relative has died. Every case will need to be proven with relevant documents presented at a checkpoint.  The final decision is made by the JFO Commander. Before presenting the documents, everyone who wants to leave non-government-controlled territory will undergo temperature screening and medical examination

Passenger and traffic flow across the contact line in eastern Ukraine has decreased by 90%, as reported by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

Restrictions imposed by the self-proclaimed “republics”

The self-proclaimed “DPR” announced that it will close the entry-exit crossing points on 21 March at 00:00h. “to prevent the penetration of coronavirus into the republic.”

On 14 March, “LPR” introduced a high alert regime. It implies a ban on mass events (more than 50 people), self-isolation of people arriving from countries with “unsatisfactory epidemiological situation”, entry ban for people with fever and symptoms of a cold if they do not have residence registration in “LPR”. The high alert regime obliges all employers to measure temperature of all employees and to suspend them from work if they have fever.

The so-called “DPR” and “LPR” authorities declare that there are no cases of coronavirus in the “republics”, and that there are enough test systems. At the same time, the Ombudsperson of Ukraine Lyudmila Denisova stated that there are no tests for COVID-19 in the occupied territory, and urged international organizations to deliver tests to the occupied territory.

Restrictions imposed by the Russian Federation

From 18 March to 1 May, entry into the territory of the Russian Federation is restricted for foreign citizens and stateless persons. Residents of the “DPR” / “LPR” who do not have Russian citizenship or residence permit will not be able to enter the territory of Russia. According to clarifications, persons who are traveling to Russia due to the death of a relative will be able to enter if they provide evidence.