Ukraine opens new transit route to China, bypassing Russia

Ukraine-China container train routed via Georgia-Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan (including via the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea) will set off from Illichivsk on Jan. 15 on its demonstration voyage.

This is announced by Ministry of Infrastructure press service, Censor.NET reports.

"This route is a new line of the Silk Road and an alternative which will allow redirecting goods traffic in eastern direction, bypassing Russia's territory. It involves using Black Sea and Caspian Sea ferry lines (Illichivsk-Batumi and Aliat-Aktau) and is likely to become competitive against the traditional overland route," the statement notes.

To get the container train launched, the sides agreed on technology, accelerated delivery, tariff terms and conditions, certain train operators. The demonstration voyage will give a start to an alternative way of delivering goods from Ukraine to the countries of Central Asia. The train will pull the chain of approximately 20 wagons.

"Despite Russia's ban on goods transit through its territory, the Ministry of Infrastructure along with Ukrzaliznytsia [national railway operator - ed.] will continue to work on finding ways to redirect eastbound cargo flows," the ministry said.