Without seeking to pull the topic even further off topic (!), the history behind all of this goes back way further than the last 75 or 100 years that Ted and TomKat mention.

A very good read that I highly recommend is The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine by Serhii Plokhy. A very thorough history, that certainly left me thinking that the current problems are just the latest iteration of problems that have existed for nearly a millenia.

Ta,

Ed

Let's review:

The subject of this thread--established by the OP and by its location in the North and Central Asia forum--is future travel in relation to the current threat of war and/or sanctions in and around Ukraine. This doesn't include the posting of inflammatory screeds--and responses to inflammatory screeds--about the politics of US, Soviet, U.K., or other countries. Please resist any contrary temptation you may experience, and stick to the topic.

I've placed several posts into moderation, which means they're invisible except to other moderators and Grant. If they disagree with me, the posts might reappear. On the other hand, it's also possible that *more* posts will vanish.

Thanks for your forbearance,

Mark

Thanks Mark - appreciated


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Per news russia just recognized breakaway donbas republics; it likely plays out in next few days. No war but there will surely be tit for tat. Looks like my trip to old summer road could be in jeopardy, bummer.

Interesting that it will lead to a very similar situation to that has existed in Georgia since 2008 - a breakaway republic only recognised by Russia and a handful of others, with Russian 'peacekeepers' stationed there.

The good news (from our self-indulgent travel perspective) is that situation has been relatively stable since 2008, albeit with occasional flare ups, allowing travel to the area, so may be the direction we're headed for with Ukraine too. I wouldn't write off your trip yet.

Ed

Russia - Latvia Border Crossing
 

I have had my Landcrusier stuck in Russia due to Covid. But now planning to return to Russia in May to collect my Landcrusier and head up to the Latvia Border and cross into the E U
Has anyone got any news on this land border which I’m planning to cross in May 2022
Any advice would be appreciated

Regards
Ray

Well it is better for the people who live in donbas republics; at least shelling of civilian population will stop. They have been living in the state of war for 8 years.

From what I understand the US embassy in Moscow is down to 150 people from over 1000 before obama started all this bullshit. They stopped issuing visas to russians and they did the same. So as is when your visa expires you won't be able to extend it

Noone expects the spanish inquisition

Hard to have a discussion about travelling in an area undergoing political upheaval without mentioning politics. Short version, yeah we'll be able to travel again when it all dies down. HTH ;)

My understanding is that the US embassy stopped issuing visas not for political reasons but because they simply don't have the people any more to process them.

In the meantime, as a US citizen I got a new Russian three year multiple entry business visa in September with no problem whatsoever.

Hard to say at this point what might change in the future, but as always, adverse changes are certainly possible...

Good to know - did you pick up information on what land borders you might be able to use it for, to cross? Inany formation is very patchy right now.

Thanks

Ed

Hi Ray
Sent you a PM just now.

Cheers
Chris

No, I didn't ask, because I wouldn't have trusted the visa agency I dealt with to have a clue. In any event I needed it for other stuff, I've had to fly to Moscow twice in the last couple of months.

Hi everyone,

it seems like just about now is the time to register here and join the conversation.

I had planned a trip to central Asia going through Georgia and Russia. Coming from Germany I have received the information (last week) that getting a tourist visa issued and then entering on it overland should not be a big problem. Even with Russian friends living in Russia I still felt like it would be a gamble.

The situation feels a bit more unstable now and I am even hesitant giving my passport to the consulate (who knows whether they process it and I get it back if they reduce their staff...).

Has anyone else planned a similar route for this year? I had planned to enter Russa as early as April. I will probably try to take the ferry across the Caspian Sea now instead.

Cheers,
Benjamin

I do Ben, though I’ve planned to avoid Russia given the uncertainty but want to go if it can.

Drop me a DM with your contact details if you want to have a chat - keen to share notes.

Ed


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The bombing has started. Please, no one--no one--no one enter any country in this war zone. Bombing the capital of another country is war. No NATO citizen will be safe for some time.