DISINFO: Ukraine refuses a visa-free regime with Belarus
SUMMARY
Ukraine refuses a visa-free policy with Belarus. “Developing relations” with Belarus, Kyiv cancelled visa-free travelling. The State Border Service of Ukraine warns: from September 1, a governmental decree on the suspension of the Agreement between Ukraine and Belarus on visa-free travel for citizens comes into force.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation attempts to discredit Ukraine. Ukraine did not refuse a "visa-free" policy with Belarus. Ukrainians can still travel to Belarus without a visa. According to the decision of the government, starting from September 1, 2020, Kyiv will cancel entrance into Belarus with identity cards, which Ukrainians could previously use to enter Belarus. Instead, citizens will need to provide a Ukrainian passport. This will improve the protection of Ukrainian citizens, reduce the time at border control, resolve the issue of information verification and improve border control procedures.