Evacuation may become impossible. Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all Polish citizens currently in Russia to leave the country immediately, The Moscow Times reports, citing an official statement by the agency.

The Polish Foreign Ministry has emphasized particular concern for Polish nationals holding dual citizenship with Russia. According to Polish diplomats, Russian authorities treat such individuals exclusively as Russian citizens, making them subject to military mobilization, a decree issued in September 2022 and still formally in effect.

“We recommend that Polish citizens currently in Russia leave the country using available commercial or private means, unless their personal, family, or professional circumstances require them to remain,” the statement reads.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland has also warned that consular assistance options are extremely limited. Due to Russia’s reduced diplomatic and consular presence, obtaining support may require traveling to remote regions far from major urban centers.

Other risks include the suspension of direct air travel between Poland and Russia, inoperative international bank cards, and the aggressive conduct of Russian security services, who are reportedly authorized to detain individuals, search phones, and carry out street-level surveillance.

“In the event of a sudden deterioration in the security situation, closure of borders, or other unforeseen developments, evacuation may be significantly hindered, or entirely impossible,” the ministry cautions.

Earlier, a Russian drone attack on Ukraine damaged the Polish company Barlinek in the city of Vinnytsia.  As a result of the strike, two employees were hospitalized in serious condition, suffering from numerous burns. According to Polish sources, the attack could be deliberate as retaliation for providing Ukraine with aid.