Changes

The country is Russia's eternal 'native brother' and, despite all the political mess that constantly happenes between the two states, [[Ukraine]] is one of the countries that is very easy to enter from Russia (Russians do not even need a foreign passport to enter it, as well as for [[Belarus]]). Make sure that the border crossing is working before attempting to use it. The big gate on the M2/E95 road ([[Moscow]] to [[Kharkiv]]) can be passed by foot, which is very convenient because you do not have to wait in the line of the cars and you wont make your driver wait for you in case you have any delayes with your passport. You will have to leave the car before all the checkpoints begin, though, or you will be considered a car passenger by the border police.ee

Unfortunately, Russia is still lacking a hostels network. You can find several hostels in Moscow and in St. Perersburg, and they are gradually spreading over the country; but as for now, in almost any city nothing of the kind is available.

To find both accomodation and company, you can use [http://hospitalityclub.org:Hospitality Club], [http://couchsurfing.org:CouchSurfing] and Russian+Ukranian+Belorussian Livejournal community [http://vpiska.livejournal.com:Vpiska]. The official language of the latter is Russian but you can use English as well (ask other members to translate your post to Russian in the end of your message if you like). Just post the name of the locations you are planning to stay in, or your route, the dates of your possible arrival, the number of your party, some information about you and your cell# and be waiting.