Citizens of Poland have been urged to leave Russia
Poland has urged its citizens to urgently leave Russia.
The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also advising against all travel to Russia due to the war in Ukraine and the recognition of Poland – which is a member of NATO – by the authorities of the Russian Federation as a hostile state. An urgent appeal published on the Polish government’s website says all citizens residing in Russia should “leave its territory by available commercial and private means, unless their personal, family, or professional circumstances require them to remain in the country.”
Currently, the number of Polish diplomatic and consular staff in Russia is reduced – and the government warned that “in the event of a drastic deterioration in the security situation, border closures, or other unforeseen circumstances,” evacuation of citizens “may prove significantly more difficult or even impossible.”
The government said: “Due to the ongoing reduction in the Polish diplomatic and consular staff in Russia resulting from the decision by local authorities to withdraw permission for the operation of the Consulates General in St. Petersburg and Königsberg, the ability to provide direct consular assistance to Polish citizens is becoming increasingly limited, and it may be necessary to travel to very distant consular offices.
“Please also note that failure to register travel to Russia in the Odyseusz system will significantly hinder consular interventions in crisis situations. In the event of a drastic deterioration in the security situation, border closures, or other unforeseen circumstances, evacuation may prove significantly more difficult or even impossible.”
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