Ukraine Considers Establishing Joint Control Points on the Territory of Neighboring Countries

Authorities Seek Alternatives to Ukraine’s Border Infrastructure

Ukraine is holding discussions with neighboring countries on the possibility of establishing joint control points on their territory as an alternative to border infrastructure located on Ukrainian territory.

The initiative is being considered in the context of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s border infrastructure, which may temporarily disrupt the operation of border crossing points and the continuity of cross-border traffic.

By developing joint control points outside Ukrainian territory, the authorities are seeking solutions that would allow the flow of people and goods to continue even if Ukrainian infrastructure is affected.

Discussions with All Neighboring Countries

According to Serhii Derkachi, First Deputy Minister of Ukraine for Reconstruction, Infrastructure and Transport, the authorities in Kyiv are discussing this possibility with each of the country’s neighbors.

The objective is to identify functional alternatives to control points located on Ukrainian territory, so that border control activities can continue under stable conditions.

The discussions cover both the practical organization of controls and the logistical and administrative arrangements required for the operation of such joint points.

Joint Control at a Single Location

If such a mechanism is implemented, border guards and customs authorities from the two countries would carry out inspections at the same location.

The system would allow people and transport vehicles to undergo control procedures at a single point, without separate checks being carried out by the authorities of each country at different locations.

Such a model could simplify procedures for passengers and transport operators and could help reduce the time required for customs and border checks.

Ensuring Traffic Continuity in the Event of Attacks

One of the main reasons for considering this solution is the need to maintain cross-border traffic continuity in the event of attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

If the infrastructure of a control point located on Ukrainian territory were damaged or temporarily unavailable, the existence of joint control facilities on the territory of the neighboring country could provide an alternative for carrying out border procedures.

In this context, the Ukrainian authorities are examining solutions that would reduce the operational vulnerability of the border-crossing system and allow the movement of people and goods to continue.

A Model Already Used at the Polish Border

A similar mechanism is already in place at the Ukraine–Poland border, where five joint border crossing points are currently operating.

Under this system, the authorities of the two countries coordinate their control activities in an integrated manner, allowing procedures to be streamlined and reducing the need for separate inspections.

A similar model is also used in relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, providing Ukrainian authorities with practical examples for developing comparable solutions in cooperation with other neighboring countries.

A Solution for the Security and Efficiency of Cross-Border Transport

The establishment of joint control points on the territory of neighboring countries is therefore being considered both from the perspective of border infrastructure security and the efficiency of international transport.

For Ukraine, the development of such mechanisms could help maintain trade and transport links with European Union countries and the Republic of Moldova, including in situations where border infrastructure on Ukrainian territory is affected.

At this stage, discussions with neighboring countries represent a working direction aimed at identifying alternative solutions and strengthening the resilience of Ukraine’s border infrastructure.