Crime Report 2005

I. Overall crime and safety situation

Crime remains an item of concern for Ukraine’s expatriate community, which continues to be targeted by various manifestations of street, property and organized crime and corruption. American and foreign tourists, students, and other short-term visitors are the primary targets of street crime, although resident foreigners are also commonly targeted, including business people, journalists, and diplomats. Most street crime is relatively low level, but there are instances of the use of small firearms during burglaries/robberies. Street crime is primarily from simple pick pocketing, confidence scams, mugging, and purse snatching. Violent crime, including armed robbery, drugging unsuspected victims then robbing and shootings are also occasionally reported. American visitors and residents should take the same precautions against street crime that they would in any large American or foreign city, and should also observe the specific crime prevention tips listed in section IV below.

The main targets for property crime are longer-term American and foreign residents, students, diplomats, business people, and persons with missionary groups and private voluntary organizations. Reported property crimes may be broken down into two categories, violent and non-violent. The most common types of non-violent property crime affecting the expatriate community are simple auto vandalism and theft and residential or office burglaries. Violent property crimes, including car jacking and armed residential break-ins, attacks in hallways, elevators of residences are less frequent.

American and foreign businesses are also sometimes targeted for crimes committed by organized gangs, in particular extortion and protection rackets, which involve threats or actual use of violence. Suggested steps American firms and businesses can take to avoid organized crime are listed in sections III (d) and VII below.

II. Terrorism and political instability

A. Political instability:

Fraudulent elections on November 21, 2004 led to mass demonstrations of hundreds of thousands of people known as ‘the orange revolution’. The demonstrations, which were peaceful, forced an election rerun and led to a peaceful transition of power. There are allegations that Ministry of Interior forces were prepared to use force on November 28 to end the demonstrations, but the confrontation was averted.

B. Terrorism and political unrest:

Despite the country’s difficult economic problems, Ukraine has been largely free of significant civil unrest or disorders with the exception of the election crisis in late 2004. In general, most demonstrations against the U.S. Embassy are small, peaceful and perfunctory, but, as in any foreign country, it is advisable for American visitors and residents to avoid such demonstrations.

Ukraine’s borders are porous. International terrorist groups can take advantage of this fact. However, to date, there have been no recorded acts of international terrorism committed on Ukrainian territory.

III. Post specific concerns

A. Radiation and nuclear safety

The Chernobyl nuclear power station closed officially on 15 December 2000. In 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power station (unit no. 4), located ninety kilometers (sixty miles) northwest of Kyiv, experienced an explosion and fire, followed by an uncontrolled release of radiation. The accident resulted in the largest short-term unintentional accidental release of radioactive materials to the atmosphere ever recorded. The highest areas of radioactive ground contamination occurred within thirty kilometers of the Chernobyl station. The city of Kyiv was not badly affected because of the wind direction, but it was not completely spared.

The Ukrainian government has an effective program of monitoring fresh foods and meats sold in local markets. Street purchase of produce should be avoided. Food that exceeds European norms for radiation is confiscated and destroyed. Wild berries, mushrooms, and wild fowl and game should be avoided, as these have been found to retain higher than average levels of radiation. Background levels of radiation are monitored regularly by the U.S. Embassy and other organizations and to date have not exceeded a level that is lower than that found on the Eastern seaboard of the United States. In the event of any other nuclear power station having an accident, the U.S. Embassy has the capability to confirm local government reporting of background radiation levels and food contamination. Radiation measurements at all Eastern European posts following the 1986 Chernobyl accident did not warrant the evacuation of U.S. government employees or their dependents, including pregnant women and children. Flying and other modes of transportation used to evacuate when nuclear material may be in the air can present a greater hazard than staying put. If external measurements are high enough to require evacuation, the U.S. Embassy will keep the American community informed through the Embassy warden system (telephone/e-mail tree operated by the American citizen services unit of the Consular Section). Registration with the Embassy Consular Section will ensure this and other available services.

B. Narcotics and drug related crime:

In 2004 the government of Ukraine continued to implement a comprehensive policy paper entitled ‘The program of the State policy in combating illegal circulation of narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors for 2003-2010.’ The program acknowledged the growing scale of drug abuse, the lack of adequate education and public awareness efforts, community prevention efforts, treatment and rehabilitation.

In Ukraine counter narcotics enforcement responsibility is shared between the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) with its domestic law enforcement function and the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), which deals with trans-border aspects of drug traffic. State Border Guard Service (SBGS) and State Customs Service (SCS) carry out certain drug enforcement functions in their respective field of operation, mainly drug interdiction on the green and customs border.

Ukrainian law enforcement authorities participated in several international anti-drug operations, including Tavria-2004 and Vavank, to track and eliminate traffic routes for heroin of Afghan origin. In June 2004 Ukrainian law enforcement participated in an international operation Containment-3: Safe Sky in the framework of southeast European cooperative initiative (SECI) designed to counter the use of air flights for drug trafficking. Ukraine also took initial steps in 2004 to implement a wide-scale BUMAD (Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova Anti-Drug) program sponsored by the European Union and designed to decrease drug traffic in these three bordering countries.

According to official statistics for 2004 (January through November), approximately 62,886 narcotics offenses were investigated (17.4% increase over the respective period in 2003), including 17,119 instances of the sale of narcotics; 178 cases of money laundering; 2,610 drug dealer rings; 224 illegal drug labs, and in addition 24.06 tons of illegal drugs were seized (15.6% increase over 2003). 2,884,500 sq. meters of illegal cannabis and poppy planting were destroyed. In the first half of 2004, 24,481 drug cases were referred to Ukrainian courts or pending from pervious years, of which 16, 913 were tried resulting in 13,897 convictions.

In 2004, the MIA improved the institutional structure of its specialized Drug Enforcement Department (DED). It now consists of two large divisions and a number of operational bureaus. The total number of DED officers has increased by 7% over the past year for a total figure of 2,684 persons.

The MIA conducted four major nation-wide counter narcotics operations in 2004. In January, the SSU seized approximately 1.7 tons of poppy straw, one of the largest seizures in the past decade. The seized poppy straw could have used to prepare more than 140,000 doses of concentrated opium, which would have had the ‘black market’ value of approximately USD 380,000.

Estimates of drug abusers vary widely, up to one million reported by local NGOs in press reports. Drug addicts commit approximately 15,000 criminal offenses annually. Drug addiction is a cause of more than 1,000 deaths every year, according to Ukrainian health authorities.

Ukrainian officials are working to reduce drug demand through preventive actions at schools, as most Ukrainian drug abusers are under the age of 30. Drug information centers have been opened in the cities and regions with the highest levels of drug abuse. NGOs operating with assistance from international institutions are conducting a number of rehabilitation programs throughout the country.

C. Trafficking in women and children:

Ukraine is currently one of the largest exporters of women to the international sex industry. More than 100,000 Ukrainian women, many of them minors, have been trapped and enslaved as prostitutes in Central and Western Europe and the Middle East. Victims are lured into trafficking networks through false promises of good working conditions at high pay as domestic workers, factory workers, sex workers, nannies, waitresses, sales clerks and models. Upon arrival in the West, their passports are taken from them and they are forced, sometimes violently, into prostitution.

Trafficking in persons (TIP) is one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the world and in Ukraine. Well-established criminal syndicates dominate the worldwide industry. Profits feed into other illicit activities, such as drug and arms trafficking as well. The 2001 indictment and 2003 conviction in Los Angeles of several Ukrainian traffickers involved in smuggling hundreds of Ukrainians into the United States through Mexico -- including the trafficking of women for purposes of prostitution -- underscores the trans-national nature of this criminal activity. Because TIP is still a new crime in the Ukrainian Criminal Code and one that operates internationally, it has proven difficult for the Ukrainian authorities to tackle. Corrupt officials facilitate the industry and undermine law enforcement and rule of law initiatives.

However, law enforcement officials have had increasing success in combating trafficking and prosecuting traffickers. Statistics released by the MIA recorded 289 TIP criminal cases filed in 2003 and 269 in 2004. Supreme Court statistics recorded 32 criminal convictions for trafficking in persons in 2003 with an additional 17 pending at the end of 2003. Currently, no statistical information is available for court convictions in 2004.

The new Criminal Code of Ukraine that became effective on September 1, 2001, contains provisions that criminalize human trafficking, pornography, and sexual exploitation. Anti-trafficking police units have been established in each of the oblasts and are starting to become active in investigating trafficking cases. A recent Sumy court decision marked the fifth instance in Ukraine of sentencing traffickers in support of the Criminal Code. On February 4, 2004, the Parliament ratified the Palermo Convention and its two protocols; the Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, and the Protocol against the smuggling of migrants by land, sea and air. The Parliament Committee to combat organized crime and corruption continues to work on draft legislation and amendments to implement the convention and protocols and has established a special working group for this purpose.

Despite these successes, much remains to be done. Although the GOU has made this a higher priority, it lacks the resources to combat the problem effectively. Lack of coordination with law enforcement officials in destination countries often hampers criminal investigation and prosecution of traffickers. The government of Ukraine holds an observer status in the Southeastern Europe Cooperative Initiative in Bucharest designed to enhance coordination of trans-border enforcement.

D. Corruption and organized crime:

Reports to the Embassy of harassment and intimidation directed against American businesspersons and interests have decreased during the past year. However, in the past, physical threats have been recorded against American investors or facilities. In some cases, it appears that local commercial interests, which may have links to organized crime groups, are behind these incidents.

Although Ukraine has enacted, and implemented comprehensive anti-money laundering legislation over the past year, high level and widespread corruption, organized crime, smuggling, and tax evasion continue to plague Ukraine’s economy. Transparency International has rated Ukraine 2.4 - unchanged from 2002 - on a scale where 10 means ‘highly clean’. Money laundering in Ukraine is not primarily related to proceeds from narcotics trafficking. Instead, proceeds originate in criminal activities such as smuggling of goods or trafficking in humans, and large-scale corruption by government officials and others. Ukraine’s former Prime Minister, Pavlo Lazarenko, was convicted in San Francisco in 2004 on charges that he laundered over $114 million, which he allegedly obtained illegally while serving as Prime Minister.

In March 2004, the Financial Action task force removed Ukraine from the list of non-cooperative countries and territories. On March 18, 2004, the Parliament granted the Financial Monitoring Department (FMD) a status of a Central Executive Agency, subordinating to the Cabinet of Ministers, rather than the Finance Ministry. The change that came into effect January 1, 2005 elevated the FMD’s status. Ukraine’s basic AML law establishes a two-tiered system of financial monitoring and combating of criminal proceeds, including terrorist financing provisions. It also identifies the participants; and entities of initial financial monitoring, or those legal entities that carry out financial transactions; and entities of state financial monitoring, or those regulating entities charged with regulation and supervision of activities of the service providers. The overall regulatory authority in the system is vested in the FMD, which became operational on June 12, 2003, in accordance with article 4 of the anti-money laundering law (AML). The FMD is an administrative agency with no investigative or arrest authority. It is authorized to collect and analyze suspicious transactions, including those related to terrorism financing, and to transfer financial intelligence information to competent law enforcement authorities for investigation. FMD also has authority to conclude interagency agreements, and can exchange intelligence on financial transactions with a money laundering or terrorist financing nexus with other financial intelligence units. In June 2004, FMD joined Egmont group, that unites financial investigation units of 94 different countries.

Over January October 2004, FMD has referred 16 cases to the General Prosecutor’s Office, nine cases to the State Tax Administration, nine cases to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and 17 cases to the State Security Service. As a result of subsequent investigation, law enforcement agencies initiated 8 criminal cases. During the first 8 months of 2004, the State Security Service filed 71 criminal cases on money-laundering charges. The Ministry of Interior reported that over 10 months of 2004 it detected 398 crimes connected to money laundering. 83 of them were committed by criminal groups involved in laundering proceeds from trade in drugs, arms, smuggling and tax evasion. Ukraine is in the initial stages of drafting a law that may permit asset forfeiture. Ukraine has yet to establish a system and a legal basis for freezing and seizing assets derived from serious crimes.

According to the Interior Ministry reports, banking fraud was the most common economic crime in January September 2004. The Ministry of Interior registered 39.3 thousand economic crimes, or 6.2% over the same thousand cases of smuggling. Market for smuggled goods remain significant in Ukraine, especially for textiles, automobiles, alcohol and tobacco products.

Local government entities have reportedly engaged in practices such as termination or amendment of American investors, licenses or contractual rights without warning or legal basis; arbitrary dilution of corporate stock in order to diminish American investors, shareholdings; random implementation of unfavorable legislation; and delay of payment or delivery of goods owed to foreign investors. This has led to allegations that the private sector, including foreign and local investment, is being manipulated at the whim of government officials and their favored business interests for personal gain.

In some instances, local judicial or law enforcement authorities may be unduly influenced to justify or ignore illegal acts. Even in those cases where American investors have received favorable judgments from Ukrainian courts, there is a lack of reliable mechanisms to enforce legal judgments. American business persons or firms which experience such harassment or threats, and which do not receive relief from the courts or law enforcement agencies, are encouraged to report these matters to the Embassy’s Commercial Attache.

American firms should pay close attention to security concerns when establishing operations in Ukraine. Locally hired staff and partners should be selected only after background screening has been conducted. Installation of security hardware, including reinforced doors, high security locks, window grills, and intrusion alarms to protect office equipment, should also be considered. A heightened awareness of cyber crime is essential. Although in 2004 Ukraine Parliament passed two laws against cyber crime, specifically targeting those committed by organized crime, law enforcement training and practices have not caught up with legislation and significant results are yet to be realized.

American firms are advised to hire security guards for protection of property and personnel, however, particular attention should be paid to the choice of a security guard firm. Finally, when utilizing local service sectors, such as banking, medical, legal, and security services, businesspersons and firms should limit personal data and information provided to that absolutely necessary. There are reports of persons working in these sectors passing sensitive personal, financial and business information to criminal gangs, which use the information to plan burglaries and extortion. In general, only businesses addresses and phone numbers should be provided.

IV. Police response: assistance for crime victims

In general, Ukrainian law enforcement authorities provide adequate assistance to American citizens and firms victimized by crime. However, Ukrainian police continue to suffer from low pay and a shortage of such basic assets as vehicles, fuel, computers, and communications equipment, leading to corruption in the police ranks. Police forces are also understaffed and English language capability is rare, even among officials working in the bureau for crimes involving foreigners. As a result, reporting a crime to the police is often a difficult and lengthy process. Subsequent follow-up to determine the status of a case requires time consuming visits to police stations.

There have been incidents of police harassment of minorities in Ukraine, particularly of those of African and Asian heritage. Embassy security and consular representatives have brought such cases involving Americans to the attention of Ukrainian law enforcement and Foreign Ministry officials. There is clearly official determination to eliminate the problem, but it persists. Americans who experience official or other harassment based on ethnic heritage should report such incidents to the Embassy.

The Embassy recommends that Americans visiting or residing in Ukraine report any crimes to the U.S. Embassy, American Citizen Services. Reporting a crime is also advisable even if some time has elapsed since the crime occurred, as criminals often repeat the same crime within the same general locale. A police report is also required when an American passport has been stolen and is often required in order to file insurance claims for stolen property. In Kyiv and most other cities, the general fire emergency telephone number is "01", for police emergencies, the number is "02", and for ambulance/emergency medical services, "03".

In Ukraine there are a lack of tourist and travel services upon which American and foreign visitors can rely in the aftermath of a crime. Transferring funds from the United States, replacing stolen traveler’s checks or airline tickets, or canceling credit cards can be difficult and time consuming. There is a lack of safe, low cost lodging, such as youth hostels. Public facilities in Ukraine are generally not equipped to accommodate persons with physical disabilities.

The Embassy recommends that ill or infirm persons not travel to Ukraine. The Embassy also recommends that travelers obtain private medical evacuation insurance prior to traveling to Ukraine. Private backpacker-style tourists or persons traveling on a ‘shoestring’ budget should consider carefully before visiting Ukraine. Such travelers are usually least able to avoid high-risk types of lodging and transportation, and are most in need of an easily accessible tourist infrastructure in the event of a crime or emergency.

V. Emergency medical care:

Please see our website at http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/amcit_medical_eng.html for information about medical facilities in Ukraine.

The fastest way to secure western medical care remains medical evacuation to Helsinki, Geneva, London or other cities in Western Europe. This is a very expensive option and may take several days after the need for care arises. Travelers should purchase medical evacuation insurance prior to travel or have access to substantial lines of credit to cover the cost of medical evacuation. There are several European firms that provide private jet evacuations. Aero medical evacuation companies that service Ukraine are listed in our flyer http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/amcit_medical_evac_eng.html.

At the end of 2004 there were more than 74,856 people officially registered in Ukraine as carrying HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS. For every officially registered person there are assumed to be up to 8 unregistered cases. United Nations estimates state that Ukraine has the fastest-growing rate of HIV infection in Europe and that 1.5 million Ukrainians may be infected with the disease by 2010. The Ukrainian Ministry of Health states that the number of HIV infections registered in Ukraine continues to soar. The UN agency UNAIDS forecasts that in Ukraine, AIDS could cause about 1.8 million deaths by 2016 if the country does not take major steps soon. Ukrainian AIDS center and the Ukrainian Ministry of Health report that the percentage of Ukrainians who contacted HIV or AIDS from intravenous drug use has declined from 80% in 2000 to 69% in 2004. That figure compares to about only 11% of sufferers infected in the rest of the world through syringes. Another group affected by high HIV infection are Ukraine’s prostitutes.

VI. Tips on how to avoid becoming a victim: general personal safety tips

a. General tips

Common sense guidelines that would apply in most countries will contribute to a safe and enjoyable visit in Ukraine. Keep a low profile. Dress and behave conservatively. Do not flash cash or jewelry. Avoid conspicuous behavior, which would draw attention to you as a potentially wealthy or important foreigner. Be polite and low-key.

Do not assume that you can "blend in" on the street to avoid the attention of criminals. Street crime targets not only the affluent looking business traveler, but also young, casually dressed tourists and students. In Ukraine, everyday items of foreign manufacture, such as shoes, clothing, knapsacks and even eyeglasses will quickly advertise a person’s American or western origins. Although there is now an abundance of foreign manufactured items and you might be able to hide behind them, it is the behavior and mannerisms that bring attention to a person.

While most street crime in Ukraine involves scams or theft, weapons including knives, gas pistols and dispensers, and even firearms have been used in robberies. Violent disputes do sometimes break out between petty criminals and gangs on city streets and in casinos and bars. Be prepared to walk away from any situation on the street or indoors that could turn violent or lead to the use of weapons.

If confronted by armed attackers, always give up your valuables. Never carry large quantities of cash, or any items that you are not prepared to lose. Do not hesitate to make a report of the crime to police and U.S. Embassy. Others will benefit, and stolen items are sometimes recovered. Report the loss of traveler’s checks to the nearest office or agent of the issuing company, airline tickets to the airline company or travel agent, credit cards to the issuing company. The loss or theft of a United States passport should be reported to the American Embassy. Keep a list of credit card account numbers as well as a photocopy of your passport’s data page and visa in a separate, secure location. If possible, do not leave valuables in your hotel room. Use the hotel safe if it has one available.

Always exchange money at authorized banks and exchange points. Generally it is safer to exchange money at indoor exchange points rather than on sidewalk kiosks. Money exchange scams run rampant in Ukraine. Ukraine operates on a cash economy; the use of checks and credit cards (except at the Premier Palace hotel) and ATMs is not recommended. Credit card and ATM card fraud are a major problem in Ukraine. Visitors are recommended to limit the amount of funds in ATM accounts and to be in a position to have access to other accounts in the event of ATM fraud. When bringing U.S. dollars into Ukraine, ensure that bills are in good condition. Those that are worn, torn, or written on may not be accepted. Dating and marriage scams are regularly reported by Americans with some losses in the tens of thousands. Selling products to Ukrainians via on-line auctions can be problematic as stolen credit cards are frequently used to purchase goods. This results in the American never being paid for goods provided.

Take particular care when considering the purchase of an antique from a street vendor or any source. Icons, paintings and other works of art, war medals or military service decorations, and other items can only be exported after payment of a hefty duty, which is determined by local customs officials. Art and antiques, such as paintings, samovars, medals, icons, musical instruments, etc., acquired in Ukraine and intended for export are subject to clearance with the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture. The procedure is performed Monday Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. only. Any art item, no matter the origin, originating before 1960 cannot be exported from Ukraine. Remember that when you are in a foreign country, you are subject to that country’s laws. Obey and respect instructions from local police officers. Ukrainians handle encounters with police quietly and police will most certainly respond negatively if you become loud or challenge their authority. A smile and a shrug on the offender’s part will often result in the quick dismissal of the charge.

b. Tips for avoiding street crime:

Always avoid using short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets. Before entering an underground pedestrian crosswalk, be aware of who is already in it. Be alert for gangs of youths or children. If you can avoid them by entering a store or moving in another direction, do so. Be aware of being bumped into. Pickpockets frequently jostle their victims to distract them. Be cautious in crowds and crowded areas, such as on public transportation and at train stations, open air markets, and popular tourist sites. Pickpockets are most active in such locations. Carry handbags or backpacks in a secure manner to prevent purse snatching type thefts, and place wallets in zippered or inside pockets. Wrapping rubber bands around your wallet also makes it harder for a pickpocket to remove it. When walking about, leave hard to replace, non-essential items such as credit cards, driver’s license, membership cards, and family photos in a hotel safe deposit box or at home. Never leave bags unattended in public areas or on public transit. Be wary of distractions, con artists, and beggars, including handicapped persons and ‘deaf-mutes’. Use good judgment in the case of strangers who want to talk to you or who ask you to light their cigarette. Be cautious if an English speaker tries to befriend or assist you while you are visiting a tourist attraction or public restaurant/cafe. Especially avoid persons on the street who try to draw your attention to a ‘lost’ wallet lying on the ground. This is a favorite scam used by pickpockets and petty confidence tricksters. Don’t agree to meet casual acquaintances at remote or unfamiliar locations, and never provide home addresses or telephone numbers to strangers. Utilize a buddy system, especially at night, and keep a friend or coworker informed of your whereabouts. Never flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Disperse your money throughout your garments. Remember the amounts in each location and when making purchases, retrieve only the amount needed for that purchase. If a credit card is used, ensure that it is returned after each transaction. Be especially alert when leaving hotels, restaurants, and stores that cater to tourists or expatriates. Criminals know that patrons of such establishments are often carrying sizable sums of western currency and are extremely attractive targets. If you suspect you are being followed, seek out a public area or a police officer.

Exercise caution and common sense when visiting nightclubs, discotheques, casinos and other late night establishments. Go out late in the evening only if return transportation to your hotel or residence has been arranged, as reputable taxis are often difficult to find at night. Have the establishment call you a taxi. In Kyiv, the bar-restaurant boats that dock along the Dnipro river and many casinos are often gathering places for criminal gangs, organized crime members, and petty hoodlums. Individuals should exercise caution and practice sound personal security practices at such establishments. When out at night, refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages without the presence of a trusted friend who has agreed to remain sober. Avoid intoxication and never accept a beverage in an open container from a stranger or recent acquaintance. The Embassy has received reports of Americans, who were observed drinking at a nightclub or restaurant, or who were slipped drugged beverages, and who were then followed home and robbed, or kidnapped for a short time and robbed. There have also been reports of theft from Americans who had invited strangers back to their hotel room or apartment. Police in Ukraine do document checks with little restraint. No reason is needed and you can expect to be asked for your documents if you stay out very late. Be sure to have proper identification with you at all times.

c. Safety tips for home and travel:

Keep your apartment or hotel room door locked at all times. Always verify the identity of police, service or maintenance personnel before admitting them into your dwelling or room. Meet visitors in the hotel lobby. Be extremely prudent when giving out personal information, home addresses or telephone numbers. Use good judgment if a stranger or recent acquaintance unexpectedly visits you at home or in your hotel. The Embassy has received reports of Americans who unlocked their doors for such surprise visitors, then were robbed by a gang of hoodlums who were hiding in the hallway.

Never patronize unmarked taxicabs or enter any taxi carrying unfamiliar passengers. Always agree on the destination and price prior to entering the vehicle (this is the standard local practice). If your luggage is put in the trunk, do not exit the vehicle until the driver first exits and opens the trunk. Also, leave the passenger door open until all of your luggage has been removed from the vehicle.

Driving: traffic accidents may be one of the worst hazards in Ukraine. Visitors should use great caution when driving, given the relatively high rates of speed of drivers on major thoroughfares, poor lighting on rural roads, presence of pedestrians and slow moving vehicles, aggressive driving behavior and insufficient regulatory control regarding licensing and vehicle maintenance. Special care should be used in driving at night in Kyiv and other cities. There is also a great risk to pedestrians and bicyclists. There are a large numbers of associated fatalities every year.

Any visitor traveling by car should obtain an international driver’s license prior to arrival and make every effort to become familiar with Ukraine’s distinctive traffic laws, such as the general prohibition against left-hand turns. Motorists should also be aware that in the last few years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of cars registered in Ukraine and that many drivers are inexperienced, and as a result, observance of traffic rules varies widely.

Motorists should avoid travel after dark in the countryside. Always drive with the windows rolled up and the doors locked to deter car-jacking attempts. Late model American and other western made cars, and especially popular four-wheel drive models, are at the greatest risk for theft. Never park in dark and isolated locations, and do not leave valuables inside the vehicle while it is parked. The use of a good alarm system and a supplemental locking device such as ‘the club’ will deter most simple auto theft.

From time to time the Embassy receives reports of robberies of train compartments during the night while travelers are asleep, or of compartments that have been left unattended. Thieves on trains choose their victims by looking for people who are preoccupied, asleep, or otherwise oblivious to their surroundings. Travelers should purchase tickets for the entire compartment and not allow others to be placed or moved into the compartment. Use both locks on the compartment door and secure the door with a 36-inch piece of number 12 electrical wire in addition to the locks. Sleep with your belongings either hidden on your person underneath your clothing or stored in the compartment under the seat/cot.

VI. For information and assistance:

During business hours, the regional security officer (RSO) can be contacted through the Embassy switchboard at (044) 490-4000; outside Ukraine, dial your international access code plus country code and number: 380 44 490-4000. The RSO can also be contacted via fax at (044) 490-4277 or 490-4014 (international 380 44 490-4014) or via e-mail at: rso@usemb.kiev.ua. The Embassy’s current crime and safety report is also now available on line via the internet/world wide web at the official web site for the American Embassy in Kyiv: http://kyiv.usembassy.gov.

In conjunction with the U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Section, the RSO is working to improve communication and cooperation among the Embassy, the American business community, and Ukrainian law enforcement authorities. The RSO is presently working with the American Chamber of Commerce to organize a local OSAC council in Kyiv.

Any firm which is interested in contacting the American Chamber of Commerce should call the Embassy Commercial Section at (044) 490-4018 or (fax 490-4046), or can contact the AmCham office directly at (044) 380-44-490-5800 fax (380-44) 490-5801. In case of emergencies, and at night, on weekends, and on holidays, the RSO or Embassy duty officer can be contacted through the U.S. Embassy marine guard at (044) 490-4000 or 216-8544 (international 380 44 490-4000 or 216-8544).