Logistics centers on Donbas demarcation line empty

The logistics centers, created for rest of the people waiting for their turn to cross the demarcation line in Donbas, are empty.

Such a conclusion was made by the experts of Ukrainian NGO “Foundation.101”, who had been studying the situation at the “Zaitseve” entry-exit checkpoint in Donetsk region for 107 days and the situation at the “Novotroitske” entry-exit checkpoint in Donetsk region for 96 days.

“These are places where people can withdraw money, buy food, etc. After all, 80% of the people cross the demarcation line at checkpoints for this purposes,” says Andriy Bohdanovych, chairman of the organization. According to him, the centers do not work: there are few sellers and many people even do not know about existence of the centers.

The experts also drew attention to a number of other problems, particularly, the lines at “the zero checkpoint.” According to them, the bus routes should be divided into two separate routes (from Bakhmut [town in Donetsk region] to entry-exit checkpoint and from entry-exit checkpoint to the first line roadblock) not to affect their movement with control. The experts also advise to increase the number of entry-exit checkpoints and expand the capacities of the existing ones to reduce the load.

In addition, the experts underlined the rough attitude of the staff at the entry-exit checkpoints.

“In general, they demonstrate a polite attitude. However, there are cases that do not fit into any framework. For example, once a border guard cut tires of a car, which was parked on the roadside,” Bohdanovych notes.

Another important issue is crossing the demarcation line with children. Often people do not know that a permit of both parents is needed to enter the territory of hostilities. Sometimes people leave the ATO area with their child to buy food and cannot return as they do not have a permit.

Other problems include bribery and mined roadsides. According to the observation results and questioning of 439 people, the experts prepared the recommendations for improving the work of checkpoints.