Amidst the intensification of discussions on regional security, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) confirmed that the humanitarian corridor at the "Domanevo" checkpoint in the Volyn region continues to operate. This section of the border, adjacent to the Belarusian checkpoint "Mokraye," remains the only legal route for Ukrainian citizens to return from the Republic of Belarus.

Legal basis and constitutional rights

SBGS Press Secretary Colonel Andriy Demchenko, in a comment to LIGA.net, explained that the operation of the corridor is based on strict legal norms. Despite the fact that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine closed all checkpoints on the borders with Russia, Belarus, and in Transnistria back in February 2022, the citizens' right to return remains inviolable.

The key factor here is Article 33 of the Constitution of Ukraine, which guarantees that a citizen cannot be deprived of the right to return to the territory of their state. In accordance with this principle, border authorities are obliged to accept and conduct identity verification procedures for any compatriot who reaches the demarcation line.

Simplified identification procedure

To implement this right, a special regulation is in effect at the "Domanevo" checkpoint, differing from standard international transit operations. The main feature is a simplified identity verification scheme. Passage is allowed not only with valid foreign passports but also on the basis of any documents confirming citizenship. These may include:

  • Internal passports;
  • Birth certificates;
  • Expired document forms;
  • Special certificates for return to Ukraine.

It is important to note that the operating mode of the checkpoint is strictly one-way. The movement of persons and vehicles in the direction of exit from Ukraine at this section is completely excluded. Furthermore, transit of foreign citizens and stateless persons is not permitted through this humanitarian corridor.

Border crossing statistics

Departmental data shows that the intensity of passenger traffic at the "Mokraye — Domanevo" section remains stable, varying depending on the operational situation. Between 20 and 80 people pass through the checkpoint daily. In the incomplete six months of 2026, 7,200 Ukrainian citizens returned home through this humanitarian corridor.

Operational situation and security measures

Despite the closed status of the border, control of the border zone is carried out in an enhanced mode. According to Andriy Demchenko, the SBGS is recording the expansion of certain military infrastructure objects deep within the territory of the Russian Federation. However, at the current moment, there is no direct formation of strike groupings or concentration of regular Russian Armed Forces units on the territory of Belarus near the Ukrainian borders.

Parallel to the work of the humanitarian corridor, the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue engineering and technical measures to strengthen defensive positions in the Volyn, Rivne, and Zhytomyr regions. All actions by border guards and military personnel are conducted within the framework of regulatory acts governing the martial law regime.

Persons arriving through the humanitarian corridor undergo mandatory checks of military registration documents and verification by relevant authorities. This is necessary to prevent the risks of infiltration by sabotage and reconnaissance groups and to ensure the security of the state.