Moscow has categorized Poland as a “hostile” state in response to economic sanctions and support for Ukraine.
Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong recommendation for all Polish citizens residing in Russia to depart the country if circumstances permit. This warning comes as relations between Moscow and Warsaw have reached unprecedented lows, exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine and reciprocal diplomatic restrictions.
According to the statement published on the government’s official website, which garnered attention from both Russian and Polish media this week, the ministry advises against all travel to Russia. It cites the ongoing Ukraine conflict and Russia’s official designation of Poland as a “hostile state” as key reasons.
Russia formally added Poland – which has joined Western sanctions and emerged as one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters – to its list of “unfriendly states” in 2022. This classification enables Russian authorities to impose restrictions on diplomatic missions and frequently involves limitations on trade and monetary transactions.
Consequently, “Polish citizens residing in Russia [are recommended to] leave its territory by available commercial and private means, unless their personal, family, or professional circumstances require them to remain in the country,” the ministry declared.
Polish officials also cautioned about potential difficulties in providing direct consular assistance to Polish citizens due to the closure of diplomatic missions, which could necessitate individuals “to travel to very distant consular offices.”
The advisory highlights several challenges facing Polish nationals in Russia, including the suspension of direct flights between the two countries, restricted travel options, and problems accessing funds via Polish bank cards.
It also claims that Polish nationals may be susceptible to “arbitrary detention” while in Russia. Notably, there have been no high-profile cases of a Polish national being detained in the country over the past several years.
Diplomatic tensions between the two nations have intensified since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. In May, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced the closure of 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 earlier this month ordered the closure of Poland’s consulate in Kaliningrad, effective from the end of August, citing “hostile actions” by Warsaw.