Russian border guards have accused their Ukrainian counterparts of using 'physical force' against two Russians and one Belarussian citizen who were attempting to enter Ukraine, a news report said.
The three travelers were forcefully questioned and searched at the Novoshakhtinsk border crossing in Russia's southern Rostov region, a spokesman from the Russian Federal Border Guard Service said, Interfax reported Thursday.
When Ukrainian guards found climbing equipment in the backpack of the Belarussian traveler, they accused him of wanting to help arm "subversive" groups within Ukraine, the spokesman said.
The Ukrainian security service who questioned the detained, "promised to spread the word that these people are saboteurs" and banned them from entering Ukraine for a period of three years, the spokesman added.
Ukraine announced in March that it was placing travel restrictions on Russian citizens wanting to enter the country, in a bid to counter "possible provocations."
Russian men aged between 16-60 are currently prohibited from entering Ukraine unless they can provide proof of the reason behind their visit.
See also:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
