Over 40,000 Ukrainians Crossed Border From Russia to Ukraine Since the Beginning of War

More than 40,000 Ukrainian citizens have returned to their homeland from Russia since the start of martial law, according to Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Despite closed border checkpoints and a halt to transit operations, Russia has continued to allow Ukrainians to enter its territory.

Despite the Ukrainian government’s decision to close all border checkpoints with Russia and suspend transit operations, a humanitarian corridor of sorts has remained open. Russian authorities have permitted Ukrainian citizens to enter their territory, primarily through the Pokrovka-Kolotylivka border area in Sumy Region. However, this access has been inconsistent, with periods of restricted entry imposed by Russia.

Demchenko emphasized the Ukrainian government’s commitment to aiding returning citizens. “Along the entire length of the border with Russia, as well as on a part with Belarus, if citizens reach Ukraine in any direction, Ukrainian border guards are ready to ensure the registration of people to bring them to the territory of Ukraine,” he stated.

The mass exodus of Ukrainians from Russia coincides with a surge in civilian casualties reported by the United Nations. The UN reported a surge in Ukrainian civilian casualties in July, with at least 219 killed and 1,018 injured. This marks the highest death toll since October 2022. The Donetsk Region has been particularly hard-hit, with civilian casualties more than doubling from May to July.