The Ukrainian State Border Guard Service has closed 23 border crossing points with Russia, TASS reports, citing the government agency’s statement.

The Ukrainian State Border Guard Service has closed 23 border crossing points with Russia, TASS reports, citing the government agency’s statement.

Ukrainian ministers ordered the closure on Wednesday. The checkpoints are in the regions of Kharkov, Lugansk, Sumy, Chernigov and Donetsk.

The move is part of an overhaul that will see manpower and equipment concentrated on other parts of the border with Russia.

The Ukrainian Border Guard service will focus on areas it considers more important.