17 of April. Ukraine officially announced that for the citizens of the Russian Federation introduced restrictions on entry. As reported in the state border service of Ukraine, these restrictions are temporary and apply to citizens of Russia and citizens of Ukraine residing in Crimea or in Sevastopoli the age of 16-60 years.
We will remind, earlier in the press repeatedly appeared information that the Russian citizens are not allowed on the territory of Ukraine, men of military age who are citizens of the Russian Federation, faced with the problem when leaving the country. However, an official statement on this subject appeared only on April 17. Up to this point the reasons for refusal in the admission through border is not explained, any explanation on this subject was given.
The restrictions
As officially announced, this applies to all RF citizens aged 16-60 years. These persons, according to the state border service of Ukraine will be interviewed. Skip scheduled citizens of the Russian Federation only if there is documentary evidence of illness or death of a close relative and in the presence of an official invitation from individuals or legal entities. Restrictions also apply to the male citizens of Ukraine residing in Crimea and Sevastopol, in the same age range.
On the official website of the state border service reported that while passing through the border, special attention will be given to well-built men who are planning to go to Ukraine alone or in small groups.
The first restrictions in place, responded "Aeroflot". Ukrainian authorities sent the airline a formal warning. The company warned its passengers that men between the ages of 16-60 years, who are citizens of the Russian Federation or staying on the territory of Crimea and Sevastopol, denied entry to Ukraine. Aeroflot also warned about restrictions on the entry of women aged 20-35 years who are registered in Crimea or Sevastopol.
The reaction of the airlines
Airlines on April 17 held a meeting. In this event participated the representatives of the "Polish airlines", "Transaero", "Aeroflot", "Siberia", Air Arabia, FlyDubai, OnurAir, TurkushAirlines, Lufthansa and "Ukraine International airlines".
At the end of the meeting, the airline announced that due to the restrictions imposed, flights to cities of Ukraine can be returned without penalties.
Russian Railways notification from the Ukrainian authorities has not yet been received, but were warned that such notification would soon be sent – this was reported by the representative of the press service of "Russian Railways". Russian Railways warned passengers about the strengthening of border controls.
On April 17, the Ukrainian border guards taken off the train, which followed from Russia to Ukraine, immediately 45 Russian citizens. They were all sent back to Russia. The incident happened in Kharkiv region of Ukraine, which borders on Belgorod region of Russia. Dmitry Zhukov (head of the press service of border Department of the FSB on the Belgorod and Voronezh regions) reported that among Russian citizens, taken from the train, were women, including children. The rejection sounded strange: "No purpose of stay in the country." All Russian nationals travelling to Ukraine, had planned to visit at Easter my relatives living in Ukraine. Such a massive return of citizens from the territory of Ukraine never had.
