KHARKIV REGION – In order to avoid queues when the requirement for Russian citizens to produce biometric passports when entering Ukraine is introduced, it is necessary to install additional equipment at checkpoints, the National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov said.
“There is still a need for technical equipment to avoid queues at the border, because there are is not enough technical means to fully ensure this task. But the border guards are working on it, and they will provide their calculations next week and they are formally ready to start this procedure,” Turchynov said in Kharkiv region on Saturday.
He stressed that he considers the introduction of the requirement of biometric passports for entry as a temporary measure, before the introduction of a visa regime with Russia.
He made it clear that he does not care much that many Russian citizens do not have biometric passports.
“The fact that many Russians do not have biometric passports is their problem. Let them order them. We should protect our border and clearly identify who crosses this border, primarily from the aggressor country,” Turchynov said.
