Ukraine crossing: Mariupol-Taganrog
 

I hate to ask ANOTHER question about Ukraine-Russia border crossings, but I've found conflicting info on this one: is the border crossing between Mariupol and Taganrog open for foreigners? Is that area more or less safe? I've traveled extensively in Russia and Ukraine but don't know about this crossing at the moment.

The border crossing is in rebel-held territory. I have no reason to think that it is not open; the snag will be crossing the cease-fire line, which is something I very much doubt you can do without special permission.

EO

Thanks, very helpful. I have no interest in crossing into rebel-held territory even if I could, so I guess I will go with Plan B (actually Plan C or D).

Not sure what your plan is, but you can use all the multilateral Ukraine - Russia border crossings in the north as far as (and including) Prosyane / Bugayevka in the east of Luhansk Region (in an area under the control of the Ukrainian Government). I used this crossing last year and while it was fairly straightforward, the roads between the border and Kupyansk were just about the worst I have even seen, anywhere. If I was going back, I would recommend you cross just north of Kharkiv if that makes sense for your journey. There is also the Chornomorsk (formerly Illichivsk) to Poti ferry if you want to bypass Crimea and Abkhazia.

EO

hhm, I can't seem to find that crossing on Google maps...I see a Prosanye more or less due east of Kupyansk, but no Bugyevka, is that it?

I hope to ride my moto from Germany to Turkey (north of Black Sea) and then back (south of Black Sea). I was hoping for a more direct land route than north of Kharkov, but doesn't seem to exist. I'm also considering the ferry to Poti that you mentioned, but was also hoping to ride the Georgian Military Highway, which I'd have to miss if I took the ferry. Decisions, decisions...

The crossing is at: 49°36'19.8"N 39°42'26.0"E

It does require quite a diversion from the Black Sea, but it's not too bad - if you are crossing the Georgian Military Highway then you'll be far from it anyway. If you can do it, I highly recommend crossing into Abkhazia and then Russia at Psou / Adler.

Coming from Vladikavkaz, it's a good (though long, boring and in summer very busy) run up the M4, taking good backroads via Rossosh to Belgorod and then to Kharkiv...

EO

overview over the area with conflicts:

Thanks, that's really helpful.

Where was that originally published, might be a useful publication!

I try to find out where I got it from, but at this time I was searching for official reports.

Found it:

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krieg_...aine_seit_2014

It is the official map of the Minsk contract to stop the war in this area.