Ukraine, neighboring countries discuss reshaping border operations after Russian strikes

Kyiv has presented its partners with logistical proposals aimed at making border crossings safer and reducing congestion, Tykhyi told hromadske. He said discussions are ongoing and declined to disclose details before neighboring countries respond to the proposals.

Ukrainian officials have previously suggested moving some checkpoint operations onto neighboring countries’ territory to reduce the risk posed by Russian attacks.

Poland has also sought ways to speed up traffic across its border with Ukraine to prevent vehicles from gathering near checkpoints. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that such queues could become Russian targets, particularly when fuel tankers are involved.

The discussions follow several Russian attacks near Ukraine’s western borders in recent weeks.

On Sept. 9, a Russian strike hit the Starokozache checkpoint on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border, killing two people and injuring three. Moldova accused Russia of deliberately targeting the crossing and rejected Moscow’s claim that military cargo was being transported through Moldovan territory.

Russian attacks have also hit sites near the Polish border. A gas station near the Yahodyn checkpoint and a locomotive were damaged on Sept. 13, while another gas station about four kilometers (2.5 miles) from the border was attacked by a Russian drone on Sept. 17.