Senkovka & Vyesyalowka Border Crossing

The “Three Sisters” Crossing

Important Note for Travelers: Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the volatile political situation with Belarus, this border crossing is closed and the entire region is a high-risk security zone. It is not operational. This guide is provided for historical and informational purposes only.

The border crossing connecting the Belarusian village of Vyesyalowka with Senkivka in Ukraine was more than just a checkpoint; it was a place of powerful symbolism. It is located at the unique tripoint where the borders of Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia meet. For decades, this spot was known as the “Three Sisters,” a place that celebrated the perceived brotherhood and shared Slavic heritage of the three nations. A large monument was erected here, and an annual “Festival of Slavic Unity” brought people from all three countries together. To cross here was to pass through a place that was once a symbol of friendship but has now become a symbol of profound division and conflict.

Operational Details

This checkpoint connected the Gomel Region of Belarus with the Chernihiv Oblast of Ukraine. It was a major international crossing, operating 24/7 and open to all traffic. It was a key route for those traveling between central Belarus and the Chernihiv region of Ukraine. The crossing’s official name on the Belarusian side is Vyesyalowka, but it is often associated with the nearby larger village of Novaya Huta. Its unique location at the tripoint gave it a special status among the border posts.

A History of Friendship and Division

The history of this location as a symbol of unity is a Soviet-era creation. The “Three Sisters” monument was erected in 1975 to commemorate the shared struggle of the three Soviet republics during World War II. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the three newly independent states continued the tradition, and the annual festival became a major cross-border event, with concerts, craft fairs, and family reunions. It was a powerful symbol of the deep cultural, linguistic, and family ties that connected the three nations. However, this spirit of friendship began to erode after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and was completely shattered by the full-scale invasion in 2022.

Former Border Procedure

The border crossing procedure, when it was operational, was a standard two-part process. Travelers would first complete exit formalities at the Belarusian checkpoint at Vyesyalowka. This involved checks by border guards and customs officials. They would then proceed to the Ukrainian entry checkpoint at Senkivka for a full inspection by the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service. A valid passport and vehicle documents, including international insurance (Green Card), were required. The crossing was also the point of entry for those heading to the Russian checkpoint at Novye Yurkovichi. The tripoint nature of the location made it a complex logistical point for the border services.

The Surrounding Region

The surrounding area is a rural landscape of forests and fields. On the Belarusian side, the crossing is near the major city of Gomel, the second-largest city in Belarus. On the Ukrainian side, the crossing is the gateway to the Chernihiv Oblast. The historic city of Chernihiv, one of the oldest cities in Ukraine with magnificent ancient churches, is about two hours’ drive away. The Russian side leads into the Bryansk Oblast. The main attraction of the crossing itself was the “Three Sisters” monument and the annual festival, which drew thousands of visitors to this remote corner of the three countries.

Closure Due to War

The closure of this crossing was an immediate and direct consequence of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The area was a key staging ground for Russian forces entering Ukraine from both Russia and Belarus. The festival of friendship became a frontline of conflict. The Ukrainian authorities sealed the border, and the area became a heavily militarized zone. In 2023, the Ukrainian authorities reportedly dismantled the part of the road that led to the monument and the Russian border, a powerful symbolic act of severing ties. The “Three Sisters” are now separated by fortifications and minefields.

Final Considerations

The Vyesyalowka–Senkivka border crossing is a place of tragic transformation. It was once a powerful symbol of Slavic unity and cross-border friendship, a place where people celebrated a shared heritage. Today, it is a stark symbol of a brutal war and a shattered brotherhood. The silent monument stands in a militarized zone, a lonely testament to a past that seems impossibly distant. The story of this crossing is a poignant lesson in how quickly symbols of peace can become relics of a bygone era in the face of aggression and conflict.