FSB reports detention of Ukrainian citizen on border with Crimea

"According to CrimeaInform, referring to a directorate of the FSB of Russia, the FSB detained a native of Kryvyi Rih, born in 1965, three kilometers from the Russian-controlled Perekop checkpoint, near the dam connecting the Ad Peninsula with Crimea. According to Russian security officers, the detainee, whose name is unknown, was traveling to the annexed Crimea 'in search of a better life' without having valid documents," the report said.

Criminal proceedings were opened against the detainee under Part 1, Article 322 of the Russian Criminal Code. The article provides for a fine of up to 200,000 rubles or a salary or other income of the convict for a period of up to 18 months, or forced labor for a term up to two years, or imprisonment for the same term.

It was reported in early September that Russian border guards had detained two people on Crimea's administrative border with Kherson region, one of them being a resident of Khmelnytskyi region.

The Ukrainian State Border Guard Service has repeatedly stated that it was impossible to identify Ukrainian citizens detained by the FSB on the border with Crimea because the Russian side does not disclose their personal data. Ukrainian border guards also stressed that they did not "maintain contact with occupiers."

Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in early 2014, the administrative border was introduced between mainland Ukraine and the peninsula. In Kherson region, there are three entry and exit checkpoints at the administrative border with Crimea - Kalanchak, Chonhar and Chaplynka.

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