Italy Urges Citizens to Consider Leaving Russia

The Italian embassy in Moscow has issued a statement advising Italian nationals to consider leaving Russia.

Released on Thursday, Sep. 29, the statement cites the reason for the new advice as being due to “the most recent developments in the international environment and the increasing difficulty in air and road connections out of Russia.”

“It is becoming progressively more difficult to travel by air from the Russian Federation to Italy and other third countries,” said the embassy.

“In particular, there is a dramatic increase in the already high cost of tickets sold by airlines these days, and there are reports of long queues at some border crossings connecting the Russian Federation with some neighbouring countries.”

“In view of the continued closure of airspace to flights from the Russian Federation ordered by the European Union last Feb. 27, all compatriots present in Russia are strongly advised to plan as far in advance as possible for travel abroad,” the statement continued.

“Those who need to leave the Russian Federation are urged to obtain tickets available from commercial airlines as soon as possible.”

The embassy also advised Italians back home to postpone all travel plans to Russia, citing the same reasons.

Other embassies issued similar statements earlier this week, with the U.S. Embassy in Moscow being firmer in their advice to citizens living in the Russian Federation, particularly in light of Putin’s recent mobilization order.

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The embassy advised all citizens to leave the country immediately, saying that “Russia may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ US citizenship, deny their access to US consular assistance, prevent their departure from Russia, and conscript dual nationals for military service.”

Meanwhile, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise all British nationals to contemplate leaving the country, saying in a statement that it “advises British nationals against all travel to the whole of Russia. If you are in Russia and your presence is not essential, we strongly advise that you consider leaving.”