Poland’s Foreign Ministry has issued a critical advisory urging Polish citizens currently residing in Russia to leave the country immediately. The directive comes as Moscow has officially classified Poland as a ‘hostile state’ in response to its support for Ukraine and the imposition of economic sanctions. This designation allows Russia to impose various restrictions on diplomatic missions and trade.
The advisory outlines several serious challenges facing Polish nationals in Russia, including the suspension of direct flights between the two countries, limited travel options, and difficulties accessing funds through Polish bank cards. There is also a warning of potential arbitrary detention for Polish citizens in Russia, although no high-profile cases have been reported recently.
Diplomatic tensions have escalated significantly since the Ukraine conflict intensified in 2022. In May, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski closed the Russian consulate in Krakow, accusing Moscow of involvement in a 2024 fire at a shopping mall in Warsaw – an accusation Russia has denied. In response, Russia ordered the closure of Poland’s consulate in Kaliningrad, effective at the end of August, citing ‘hostile actions’ by Warsaw.