RZD chief Yakunin hopeful for settlement of problems in Russian-Ukrainian rail traffic
MOSCOW. May 8 (Interfax) - Russian Railways (RZD) chief Vladimir Yakunin is hopeful that the issue of train traffic between Ukraine and Russia will be settled. "I hope that a resolution will be achieved, because whatever the circumstances, be they political or technical in nature, rail transportation in the CIS needs to operate normally. I am confident the situation will be resolved," Yakunin told journalists on Thursday at the dedication of the Proshchanie Slovyanki monument at Belorussky train station in Moscow.
Yakunin said he had in mind coordination of train traffic with the Ukrainian side.
"From the standpoint of our existing regulations under the international transportation council, we must agree these timetables. This was done, but we have yet to receive confirmation for ticket sales after May 28," said Yakunin, whose remarks were also broadcast by the RZD-TV network.
The system for selling unitary tickets to Crimea is operating smoothly, he said.
RZD had previously warned passengers traveling to Ukraine that the authorities in Kyiv promised to tighten up rules covering entry of trains from Russia.
"Passengers are traveling to Ukraine and through Ukraine, although we have registered a very substantial drop in traffic to Ukraine and from Ukraine. As for passenger traffic to Crimea, that is taking place on unitary tickets," he said.