The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a formal advisory urging its citizens to refrain from traveling to Russia and recommending those currently in the country to depart immediately. The warning comes in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Russian government's official designation of Poland as an "unfriendly state."
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing international media outlets, that Polish nationals whose presence in Russia is not necessitated by urgent personal, family, or professional circumstances are advised to leave using available commercial and private transport options.
The ministry emphasized that the capacity to provide consular assistance to Polish citizens in Russia is becoming increasingly restricted. This follows the Russian authorities' decision to close the Polish Consulates General in Saint Petersburg and Kaliningrad, which has led to a significant reduction in diplomatic and consular personnel. Warsaw warned that in the event of a sharp deterioration in the security situation, border closures, or other unforeseen circumstances, evacuation could become substantially complicated or even impossible.
The diplomatic rift between Warsaw and Moscow intensified in late 2024 as both nations began the reciprocal closure of consular offices. This escalation reflects the broader geopolitical instability in Eastern Europe. For Azerbaijan, which maintains balanced diplomatic relations and promotes regional stability, such developments in the neighborhood are closely monitored due to their potential impact on international security and transport corridors.
