Russian authorities plan to allocate 190 million rubles ($4.3 million) for the additional equipment and maintenance of 26 checkpoints on the Russian border with Ukraine, the head of border infrastructure state agency, Rosgranitsa, said on Wednesday.
“A list has been compiled for what needs to be done to ensure security. It is estimated to cost 190 million rubles, this is the necessary minimum for all 26 checkpoints,” Konstantin Busygin said.
The funds will be earmarked to purchase bullet-proof window films, armor vests, helmets and to install automatic barriers, and also to repair the checkpoints damaged by the armed conflict in Ukraine.
“We have some checkpoints which have got out of order: bullets flew and shells exploded here,” he said, adding that the agency has already repaired some of the facilities.
No major construction works at the checkpoints on the Russian-Ukrainian border are planned. “We will start construction when there is some certainty (over the situation in Ukraine),” Busygin said.
In addition, Russia is also expected to spend 6.9 billion rubles ($155.6 million) up to 2020 for equipping checkpoints in Crimea.