Poland Urges Citizens to Leave Russia Immediately
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a renewed and urgent advisory calling on all Polish citizens currently in the Russian Federation to leave the country immediately, The Gaze reports.
The advisory, published on July 22, cites growing security risks linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine, as well as Poland’s designation by Moscow as an “unfriendly state.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all trips to Russia in connection with the war in Ukraine and the recognition of Poland by the authorities of the Russian Federation as an unfriendly state,” the official statement reads.
Polish nationals currently residing in Russia are strongly encouraged to exit the country using any available commercial or private means, unless there are overriding family, health, or professional circumstances requiring them to stay.
Poland’s ability to assist its citizens inside Russia is increasingly constrained due to the forced closure of its consulates in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad (Königsberg).
The Polish Foreign Ministry warns that “the possibility of providing direct consular assistance to Polish citizens is becoming increasingly limited, and… it may be necessary to go to very remote consular posts” for help.
Polish citizens are also urged to register their presence in Russia via the Odyssey system to enable emergency consular support. The ministry warns that “in the event of a drastic deterioration of the security situation, closure of borders or other unforeseen situations, evacuation may be significantly difficult or even impossible.”
Other risks include:
- Lack of direct flights between Poland and Russia
- Limited access to Polish banking services
- Arbitrary detentions and phone searches by local authorities
- Legal restrictions for dual citizens, including potential military mobilization
As The Gaze previously reported, on July 18 The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised its citizens not to travel to Russia.