Russia’s and Ukraine’s presidents vow to simplify border-crossing

The presidents of Russia and Ukraine took part in a rally with cars made when the two countries were both part of the Soviet Union.

To do so, the heads of state swapped their usual state cars for something a bit more retro, choosing vehicles dating back to the middle of the last century.

Both Dmitry Medvedev and Viktor Yanukovich seemed to enjoy their experience of taking part in a race that connected Russia's St. Petersburg and Ukraine's Kiev.

Upon entering Ukraine, the two presidents laid flowers at the Soviet soldiers’ monument in the city of Glukhov.

Medvedev and Yanukovich also pledged to simplify the border crossing between their two countries.

“We need rules that don’t tighten things up, don’t turn people into surveillance subjects, but instead let them pass the border,” Medvedev said.

“We really want to make the border crossing comfortable for our people. We must maintain order, but without excessiveness,” Yanukovich said.