Ukraine bans Russian men aged 16 to 60 from entering its territory Saturday, December 1, 2018 12:00:00 PM

During the period of martial law, Ukraine will not let Russian men aged 16 to 60 enter its territory. The exception will be special personal trips, such as going to a funeral, said the officials of the Ukrainian State Border Service during a meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

The Head of the State Border Service of Ukraine, Petro Tsyhykal stated that the Border Service has been put on Level One alert, border has been enhanced, and more security guards at the border with Russia and the annexed Crimea have been added.

"Entry for foreigners is restricted, especially for Russians. Russian men aged 16 to 60 are banned entry,” Tsyhykal stated. "With regard to Ukrainian citizens, there are no restrictions.”

"In case of some personal situation, if Russian citizens are coming to the funeral or for another personal purpose, we will allow them to enter,” the Head of the State Border Service said.

President Poroshenko asked to confirm if these are “the measures that would prevent Russia to organize private armies [in Ukraine] consisting of representatives of the Russian Armed Forces, similar to those Russia tried to establish in 2014.” Tsyhykal nodded in agreement.

"Once again, men aged 16 to 60 are banned from entering except for some humanitarian situations that will be clearly specified in the instructions,” Poroshenko stressed.

"I would tighten requirements for registration for Russian citizens in the regions where martial law has been imposed. I ask you to make suggestions within 24 hours for approval,” the President stated. Later, State Border Service Press Secretary Andriy Demchenko specified that special exceptions may be made during any border crossing.

Martial law has been imposed in ten regions of Ukraine from November 26 to December 26, in response to Russia’s seizure of Ukrainian military vessels in the Kerch Strait. Martial law could be extended in the face of continued threats to Ukraine.

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