Poland has urged its citizens in Russia to depart the country “by available means” amid escalating bilateral tensions, marking the latest diplomatic rift between the two nations as the fallout from the Ukraine conflict continues. The advisory, issued by Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cites Russia’s classification of Poland as a “hostile state” and warns of potential risks, including restricted consular access and logistical hurdles for those remaining.
Relations between Warsaw and Moscow have deteriorated significantly since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with Poland imposing sweeping Western-led sanctions and emerging as a key military and political ally to Kyiv. In turn, Russia added Poland to its “unfriendly states” list three years ago, enabling restrictions on Polish diplomatic operations and economic exchanges. The Polish government’s statement this week explicitly linked the travel warning to these measures, emphasizing that citizens should consider leaving unless personal or professional obligations necessitate staying.
Practical challenges outlined in the advisory include suspended direct flights, limited cross-border transit options, and difficulties using Polish banking services in Russia. Officials also cautioned that reduced consular staffing—a result of reciprocal mission closures—could leave citizens needing assistance to travel long distances to reach remaining offices. While the notice raises concerns about “arbitrary detention” of Poles in Russia, no prominent cases have been reported in recent years.
The reciprocal shuttering of consulates underscores the deepening divide. In May, Poland announced the closure of Russia’s consulate in Kraków, alleging Moscow’s involvement in a controversial 2024 Warsaw shopping mall fire—a claim Russian officials dismissed as baseless. Weeks later, Moscow ordered Poland’s consulate in Kaliningrad to cease operations by late August, accusing Warsaw of adversarial policies.
Analysts note that the travel advisory reflects both immediate practical concerns and broader political symbolism, as Eastern European nations reassess ties with Russia. The absence of direct flights, coupled with banking restrictions, complicates departures for an estimated several thousand Polish nationals still residing in Russia. Meanwhile, Warsaw’s alignment with Western allies on Ukraine remains a focal point of regional security debates, with Poland’s role as a NATO frontline state amplifying its diplomatic stance.
While neither government has signaled interest in de-escalation, the advisory stops short of a mandatory evacuation order, leaving discretion to individuals. For now, the move highlights how bilateral fissures—once manageable under Cold War-era frameworks—have grown increasingly entrenched, with the Ukraine war catalyzing a protracted realignment of regional alliances.
