Ukraine introduces special regime near border with Russia and Belarus
Ukraine has established a special border regime within a one-kilometer-wide strip along the state border with Russia and Belarus. Free entry, stay, residence, and movement of people in this area are prohibited for the duration of martial law.
The Cabinet of Ministers reported this. The relevant changes are provided for by Government Resolution No. 1049, adopted on August 17, 2026.
The restrictions apply to land plots within one kilometer of the border line with Russia and Belarus. In this area, free entry, stay, residence, and movement of citizens are prohibited, as well as any work not related to repelling Russian aggression, the defense of Ukraine, or the protection of the state border.
It is important that the special regime applies to all land plots within the designated one-kilometer strip. Previously, special restrictions directly at the border were primarily tied to areas transferred for permanent use to State Border Guard Service units for the construction and maintenance of fortifications, engineering structures, and communications.
Permanent residents of settlements and territories within the one-kilometer strip will be able to stay there with a permit from the appropriate state border protection authority. If a permit was issued earlier, border guards may require its reissuance so that the document separately states the right to be within one kilometer of the border.
If a local resident plans to stay, move, or perform work in the one-kilometer strip outside a settlement, they must notify the relevant State Border Guard Service unit in advance. The notification must indicate the period of stay and details of people who will be present or working in the area.
Such notification must be made orally via means of communication or in writing no later than 24 hours before the start of the relevant activity. An exception is provided for residents traveling from rear areas to their place of residence exclusively on public roads.
Separate requirements are established for people who do not permanently reside in this zone. When reviewing a permit application, border guards will check, among other things, the planned location of the person in the one-kilometer strip. The permit must explicitly state whether it covers the area within one kilometer of the state border.
A permit is also required for businesses. Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs will be able to enter and carry out work in the one-kilometer zone if there is a justified need and a relevant decision by the state border protection authority.
For representatives of state bodies, local self-government, emergency and utility services, a permit procedure is also provided. In emergency cases related to citizen safety, critical infrastructure operation, medical and social assistance, entry is allowed after prior notification of border guards no later than one hour in advance.
Control over compliance with the special regime is entrusted to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. The restrictions will be in effect during the period of martial law.
Based on materials from: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine
