Calm but careful at the border between Ukraine and Russia

Calm but careful at the border between Ukraine and Russia

The situation is becoming even more tense in Ukraine as the US government last night advised its nationals to leave Ukraine, also preparing an evacuation of the families of its diplomatic staff. Washington is again warning of the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, on the border between Ukraine and Russia, calm reigns.

From our special correspondent in Chernigiv, Stephane Siohan

The border area in which Ukraine, Russia and Belarus meet is one of the most closely watched strategic sectors due to numerous reports of the delivery of Russian military equipment and troops to the northern border of the Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian territories.

But for Sergey Chomenko, border guard at the Senkivka crossing point, 200 kilometers north of Kiev, there is no reason to be alarmed: “ There we are on the border between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. On the left is Russia, on the right is our Ukrainian territory. And all is calm. There, you see, there is a fortification that was erected in 2014 and 2015 to prevent any incursion into Ukrainian territory. Here, nothing is noticed, everything is as usual. Military exercises must be held on Russian and Belarusian territory, we are aware of all this and we continue to monitor the situation. »

► To read also: Washington orders families of American diplomats to leave Kiev

Near the border, the situation seems very calm. Trucks and personal vehicles continue to circulate, perhaps a little less than usual due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

On the borders of Ukraine and Russia, the crisis seems very distant, as if it were played out above all in diplomatic chancelleries.

► To read also: Ukraine: the European Union must dialogue with Russia, pleads France

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