next trip to Mariupol

[theguide]

 Hello all,
 I am looking for some imput on my next trip to Ukraine. The events that took place last night in Mariupol are a little scary to me.  I am planning on going back in two weeks, but I am not sure if I should. I have fears that the Russsians may pop in, or the airport in Donetsk may close like Sevestopol.
 Has any one gone to Sevestopol recently? What is the town like for Americans with the Russians there? If the Russians seize Mariupol would I need a Russian visa?
Thanks

[BillyB]

Just today, all sides agreed to end any action that provokes the situation to escalate. Illegally armed militia are supposed to turn in their weapons. Things should get calmer unless the agreement doesn't hold up.


Russia's business in Ukraine is with Ukraine. I don't think it's wise for them to take a westerner hostage and beat or kill which will then get the Western nation's citizens fired up against Russia and increase support for Ukraine. You may get some anti American sentiment from the locals there but keep a low profile and get advice from people who you're visiting on what you should or shouldn't be doing or going.

If the Russians seize Mariupol would I need a Russian visa?

Probably not. It would take time after a seizure for Russia to officially annex the city/territory into Russia. An election must be held first.


If you do go, please come back and report your experiences of what's going on there.

[calmissile]

Hello all,
 I am looking for some imput on my next trip to Ukraine. The events that took place last night in Mariupol are a little scary to me.  I am planning on going back in two weeks, but I am not sure if I should. I have fears that the Russsians may pop in, or the airport in Donetsk may close like Sevestopol.
 Has any one gone to Sevestopol recently? What is the town like for Americans with the Russians there? If the Russians seize Mariupol would I need a Russian visa?
Thanks

Are you serious??

Servestopol was a wonderful city with everyone getting along until Putler upset the applecart.  I would not want to be an American in Sevestopol at this time.  It is a Russian port city very heavy with Russian sailors and their families.

As far as Eastern and Southern Ukraine I would suggest not traveling to either part of the country.  Even though the Russian demonstrators and provocateurs are only a small minority of the population, the hostile demonstrations and conflicts spring up at a moments notice and you would not want to find yourself in the middle of one.

I suggest you read the US State Department warnings about travel to Ukraine.  Kiev and cities to the west are relatively safe and American friendly at the moment if you really have to go to Ukraine. 

[XMan]

At your own risk.

STEP warning from yesterday:

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Ukraine.   In addition, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all travel to several regions of Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula and eastern regions of Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Lugansk due to the presence of Russian military forces in the Crimean Peninsula and on the eastern border of Ukraine.

[theguide]

I am not necessarily worried about bodily harm. I am sure I can stay away from any issues that may arise. My main fears are detainment, and travel issues like an airport closing. I was hoping to see if someone had issues with that kind of thing in Crimea, and how they dealt with it. I have been enrolled in the step program for a while now.

[ML]

I am sure I can stay away from any issues that may arise.

I was  not aware than any human could dodge or outrun a stray bullet.  (Yeah, yeah I know it could happen anywhere in the world . . . but think 'probabilities.')

Anyway, if your claim is true; I guess Mr. Bolt has something to worry about.

[CDW]

http://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine

[Chelseaboy]

I'm sure the pro-Russian gangsters/seperatists lobbing Molotov cocktails at the local police and carrying firearms in a city where three people have just been killed will love an American wandering into the carnage that is Mariupol.

Even if it calms down before you go,it can erupt again at anytime...maybe while you're there.

Go for it theguide,and if you get out alive and with all your body parts still in place,let us know how your experience was.

Any girl/girls you meet will either consider you a hero or a lunatic.

[Wayne]

Why don't you go to Kyiv and have the girl or girls come there to visit? If they do, they probably would be better of taking the train.

[Maxx2]

I'd wear Ukrainian clothes. Ukrainian shoes are important also. It's the little things that give you away. Wear an expressionless look on your face. Don't make eye contact. Walk like you know where you are going. Walk fast. Be the strong silent Ukrainian man. Stay out of mobs gathering in front of government buildings and gangs hanging out on street corners. Stay out of casinos and bars. Might help to have a rolled up Ukrainian newspaper tucked under your arm. In winter wear a Ushanka hat. 

[lonedrake]

the guide,

 I would go. Just buy a Russian flag,emblem etc. Wear that around.

[BillyB]

Just buy a Russian flag,emblem etc. Wear that around.

Don't forget the unmarked Russian army fatigues, ski mask and AK-47.

[Maxx2]

theguide, forget the last 2 posters. They are just giving you bad advice to get you into trouble. 

[theguide]

 The last time I went I had no issues maintaining a low profile. I am not really in town for sight seeing, just relationship building. That is my objective, dinner out is probably the most I will do and maybe bowling. My woman and I have lots of getting to know each other to do.
 I am curious about Victory day, I will be in town for it. What are the traditions for it?

[BillyB]

theguide, forget the last 2 posters. They are just giving you bad advice to get you into trouble.

Maxx, read my first post in this thread. Most people would know my recommendation of arming oneself with a machine gun is not serious.

I am not really in town for sight seeing, just relationship building.

Trust the lady that she'll take care of you and keep you out of harms way. Don't allow fear or anxiety ruin your trip.

[Maxx2]

Maxx, read my first post in this thread. Most people would know my recommendation of arming oneself with a machine gun is not serious.

And you thought I was?

[Jumper]

Why not meet her somewhere else in this instance?

[JayH]

Quoting  a letter from Mariupol in the last few days--it tells you a little that is worth noting-- nothing is "normal" in Ukraine right now.
"Dear J
How are things there? Do you already have time when you prepare for Easter like I do it here)
You probably worry what happened with me last time and maybe why you feel that I am far away from you and stop to write you so I will try to share with you now.
I found time and some even strength to write you because last days were very difficult for all citizens of my city and for me especially!
17 of April it was really dangerous night in my city..I couldnt sleep that night because we heard helicopters which fly around city and nobody didnt know what can happen in any time..And around 11 at night people started to heard some shots and I look in the internet on the site of my city that some riots tried to capture military building in our city which is situated in front of houses where people live. So when they tried to capture that military building shots flying into homes of simple people here...I heard it. It was very horrible …I stayed at home and I shuted all windows and I even cry and pray because in such situations I dont know what to do..I saw photos and video on the site..I saw blood and killed people who were there..Riots who were killed there came with not peace to our militars and they got probably that they wanted to to with our people. Some of them are in hospitals and they told not truth..
And you know what was on next day???All Univirsities were shut, all restaurants, cafee, there are almost no people on the streets and no cars. People stayed at home they just scared of this situation and I am too..
Just try imagine its very holy time now before Easter and they did it there..I think that people who were killed there and hurted that get that they wanted to do with other people there..
These days were very difficult and people here have fear..but I know for sure that soon will be Easter and God have everything for us and he will help us. Today it was very sunny day and when I walk a little near my house it was so calm so when you see such beautiful nature, such good weather you can not understand that war can be here...
It were my feelings and emotions which I try to share with you..So don’t blame me that I don’t pay attention because it’s really difficult to concentrate when such situation is here.
But the most important now is this bright holiday Easter. Will you celebrate with your family?
Will be waiting your letter"  etc etc

[threeships]

I would go as you have planned, just keep low profile, blend in and never venture far from your safe house  alone. you are not a specific target however avoid  where you see any crowds of people, gruff looking (in dark attire) mainly in the center district.. all my friends in Eastern Ukraine tell me business is as usual. don't believe all the hype. there are plenty of Americans (tourist) and business, in Eastern Ukrainian cities even now. you have the right idea,   just find a cozy hiding place with your girl and enjoy each other and the immediate surroundings.  but I am sure your girl vowed to protect you anyway??

[ML]

Threeships, did you read the letter received by Jay from the UW?  You don't believe people on the ground?

[JayH]

Threeships, did you read the letter received by Jay from the UW?  You don't believe people on the ground?

ML-- I marvel at some of the ineptitude from some on forums.How do you think a US Id  would go down with these out of control thugs?They have the taste of being a law unto themselves.

Today--read link-while not Mauripol it is not far away and displays some of the potential issues.

Toronto Star journalist narrowly escapes detention in Ukraine
Four angry pro-Russian civilians corner Star writer Mitch Potter on streets of Slavyansk. He bluffs his way out by pretending to be a francophone Canadian.
SLAVYANSK, UKRAINE—We were just a few nervous steps from the taxi when the small mob descended.
Four angry faces, bulged tight with tension on the ready-to-blow streets of Slavyansk, getting right up in ours. Three men and a woman. Fifty-something. Friends of Russia. Civilians .
Show us ID. Now.
The Star’s interpreter, Mikhail, gave me a fleeting look I had yet to see in our week together. An end-of-the-world look.
They studied his Ukrainian passport, then spun my way. I’d left mine back in our room, deliberately, because Canada, as we’ve reported, is an especially dirty word here in occupied, Russified east Ukraine.
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/04/24/toronto_star_journalist_narrowly_escapes_detention_in_ukraine.html

" the risk of speaking English in these parts was never more apparent."

[Maxx2]

Thank you JayH. What you posted really cuts to the heart of the matter. In short being an American, Canadian or any English speaker puts a bullseye on you. I am wondering if being an American is a plus in Western Ukraine?

[northkape]

I do agree with threeships,,,

I returned from Ukraine a week ago, and I'm going back again in a couple of weeks.
In my opinion, there is nothing to worry about at all for a "western tourist"......
The anger and frustration present among some people there,, isn't directed at foreigners or tourists.

If you really want to worry in life,,, worry about real threats like traffic accidents, and so on....

[Maxx2]

I do agree with threeships,,,

I returned from Ukraine a week ago, and I'm going back again in a couple of weeks.
In my opinion, there is nothing to worry about at all for a "western tourist"......
The anger and frustration present among some people there,, isn't directed at foreigners or tourists.

If you really want to worry in life,,, worry about real threats like traffic accidents, and so on....

Then again perhaps what you said is true.

[steveboy]

Generally speaking Russian and Ukrainian women do not like indecisive men even more so if you are a wimp!