Ukraine subsides and reopens Elenovka-Novotroitsk checkpoint

Donetsk, Jun 22 – DAN. Ukraine has reopened its side of the Elenovka-Novotroitsk checkpoint, the JCCC said.

“Ukrainian side began letting people through at around 10.30 a.m. Six vehicles have already crossed into Ukraine, about 100 are queuing.”

There are currently four checkpoints for pedestrian and motor traffic between Ukraine and the Donetsk People’s Republic: Elenovka-Novotroitsk (southwest of Donetsk, southern direction), Mayorsk-Mayorskoye (outside Gorlovka, northern direction), Oktyabr-Gnutovo (DPR south, southern direction) and Aleksandrovka-Maryinka (west of Donetsk, western direction).

Checkpoints at the contact line closed in March after the coronavirus pandemic came into light. On June 9 Kiev unilaterally announced Maryinka crossing point reopening causing huge queues of vehicles. Donetsk estimated the move as a provocation. Later DPR decided to partially reopen the traffic at one of the checkpoints.

It remains unclear whether Elenovka is operating at the Ukrainian side. In this connection, Donetsk warns people, to postpone travelling unless there is an urgent need. Media reported that Ukrainian border guards, SBU members and local authorities are preparing to reopen Elenovka-Novotroitsk. *ot