Brazilian embassy confirms train departure from Kiev as escape route

The Brazilian embassy in Kiev informed Brazilian and Latin American citizens that a train would leave this Friday (25) at 10 pm local time from the capital’s Central Station bound for the city of Chernivtsi, in western Ukraine.

According to the statement, it would not be necessary to buy a ticket, but it was recommended to arrive in advance. Given the security situation, the Embassy would not guarantee departure or seat availability. Women, children and the elderly would have priority.

“Travelers who successfully depart with the train should take into account relevant difficulties on arrival, where there are problems with lack of accommodation, transport to the border, as well as long lines at immigration,” the statement said.

The Embassy stated that it will send the identification data of all travelers on the train in an attempt to advance the procedures for entry into Romania.

Special trains to the West

The Ukrainian Railway Company announced on Friday (25) a series of special evacuation trains going from Kiev to western parts of Ukraine.

Extra trains depart from Kiev’s main railway and suburban station. The company announced that the added trains will be for Rakhiv, Uzhhorod, Truskavets, Vorokhta, Kovel, Chernivtsi and Lviv.

Here are some details the company provided about these evacuation trains:

• Seats on the train will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Priority will be given to children, women and people with reduced mobility.
• Due to the circumstances, delays in trains are possible.
• There are enough cars for the safe evacuation of around 10,000 people by the end of Friday.
• The company urged those traveling on special trains not to disclose their locations and not be surprised if emergency lighting is used.

“The less the train looks like a garland, the safer the journey will be,” he added.

*With information from Ivana Kottasová and Yulia Kesaieva from CNN International in Kiev