Ukraine conflict: British nationals can bring Ukrainian relatives to UK

  • Published 28 February 2022
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  • War in Ukraine

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Home Secretary Priti Patel says changes could allow 100,000 more Ukrainians to come to the UK

Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion can come to the UK if they have relatives who are British nationals, under changes announced by ministers.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said an extension of visa rules to "immediate family members" would allow Ukrainians to "seek sanctuary" in the UK.

The PM said the UK would not "turn our backs in Ukraine's hour of need".

But Labour says the visa rules are "unclear" and confusing for Ukrainians.

In Parliament on Monday, the home secretary said the first phase of a "bespoke humanitarian route" had been created for Ukrainians to enter the UK.

Ms Patel and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said changes to visa rules would allow "any person settled in the UK" to bring over their immediate Ukrainian family members.

Later, in a letter to MPs, Ms Patel said Ukrainians "already settled in the UK" could now bring over their "immediate Ukrainian family members".

She said that relatives not falling within the government's definition of immediate family "can apply ordinarily under the points-based immigration system".

Ms Patel said she would not waive the visa requirement, citing "the strongest security advice" around concerns the Russian military was "infiltrating" Ukrainian forces and posed a security threat to the UK.

"We know all too well what Putin's Russia is willing to do, even on our soil, as we saw through the Salisbury attack," Ms Patel said.

Dr Nataliya Rumyantseva tells how her mother made the journey from Ukraine to Hungary and Paris but failed to get to the UK

Labour's shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the details of Ms Patel's changes were "extremely unclear" and asked for clarification.

"The UK has always done its bit to help those fleeing war in Europe. But I have to say to her: why is there so much confusion about this?" Ms Cooper said.

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Elsewhere, the EU has supported plans to accept Ukrainian refugees for up to three years, without asking them to apply for asylum.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast earlier, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the government would study the EU's offer and decide on next steps.

The government has been facing growing calls to waive visa rules for Ukrainians seeking sanctuary in the UK amid the ongoing Russian invasion .

In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a group of 44 Conservative MPs have urged the government to "go further" and "act jointly" with European allies to help Ukrainian refugees.

They said they hoped ministers would "seek a flexible and pragmatic approach to those Ukrainians wishing to seek temporary refuge in the UK".

A woman draped in a Ukraine flag prays in Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral

Home Office guidance was updated on Sunday evening for British nationals who want to bring their Ukrainian family to the UK.

Family members can apply for a family migration visa for free. The processing centre in Kyiv is closed, but the office in the western city of Lviv is open, and people can apply from nearby countries.

Family members eligible to apply for these visas are a spouse or civil partner, an unmarried partner of at least two years, children under the age of 18, a parent if their grandchild is under the age of 18, or adult relatives who are carers.

Home Office sources have told the BBC the same criteria will apply to the relatives of people who are settled in the UK.

Speaking to the media, Mr Johnson said: "We want to be as generous as we possibly can, and certainly we want people who have relatives in Ukraine to be able to bring them over as fast as possible.

"We want to make sure that we have routes for people fleeing disaster, war, persecution in Ukraine to come here."

He also said the UK would be "partnering up with some of the countries in the immediate vicinity of Ukraine to help bring people over".

Mr Johnson also announced a further £40m of humanitarian aid for the country.

line

UK falls short of EU's open-door approach

Analysis box by Mark Easton, home editor

Britain finds itself well behind Europe in its offer of sanctuary to Ukrainians fleeing the war.

The prime minister has insisted the UK is "way out in front" in its willingness to help, and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the government was "urgently" looking at what more it could do.

But what has emerged is a scheme to assist family members of Ukrainians already in the UK, far short of the open-door approach of countries in the EU.

The Refugee Council has said the UK government's response looks mean-spirited and unwelcoming to desperate people.

The Home Office has been resisting calls to establish a safe route, saying Ukrainians fleeing the war should get visas to work and study in the UK in the normal way, through the points-based immigration system.

Earlier Ms Cooper expressed concern the changes would not apply to wider family members.

"What are they thinking? What about people struggling to get elderly parents here, or Ukrainians who can't come stay with sister or brother here," she tweeted.

She said it was "shameful of the government to refuse to even help other relatives in a terrible European war like this" and urged ministers to extend the offer to wider family members and "set out a broader sanctuary route so UK also does its bit to help other Ukrainians too".

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Home Office should give entry now on humanitarian grounds "to any Ukrainian seeking refuge in the UK", and to "sort paperwork later".

Conservative MP and chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Tom Tugendhat said, having spoken to ministers, that he felt it was "likely" the UK would move to a position similar to the EU that has said it will take all Ukrainian refugees for three years "with no questions asked".

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Will the conflict in Ukraine impact travel plans?

Destinations bordering Russia and Ukraine are seeing some consumer uncertainty about the wider impact of the conflict in Eastern Europe.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February, before closing its own air space to numerous countries in Europe and beyond, the travel map has shifted. Flight routes have been modified with fares increasing as a result, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is advising against all travel to much of the region. This has led to flight cancellations, and tour operators are cutting trips for 2022. Here’s what you need to know.

Which countries are now out of bounds?

The FCDO currently advises against all travel to Russia. Ukraine is also on the no-go list: travel there is not advised under any circumstances, and all British citizens in Ukraine are advised to leave the country if they judge it safe to do so. There is also an advisory in place against travel to Belarus and the Transnistria region in Moldova. Most travel insurance policies will no longer be valid for these countries. Contact your tour operator or insurer if you have any specific concerns about travel to or near the region and check the  F CDO website before making plans.

What impact has the conflict had on air travel?

Russia has banned UK airlines from entering its airspace, which means you are due a refund from your airline if you had planned a trip to the country in the coming weeks or months. The same goes for other countries in the region ruled out by the FCDO. The closure of Russian airspace and the Civil Aviation Authority’s instructions to avoid Ukrainian air space has affected flight times from the UK to the Far East. Both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are warning of increased journey times to destinations such as India, Thailand and Singapore. These re-routings, along with the rise in jet fuel prices, are expected to cause an increase in air fares, although some carriers, including Ryanair and EasyJet , have hedged fuel supplies or locked-in prices for the summer.

The FCDO currently advises against all travel to Russia and Ukraine. There is also an advisory ...

The FCDO currently advises against all travel to Russia and Ukraine. There is also an advisory in place against travel to Belarus and the Transnistria region in Moldova.

How have tour operators responded?

Costs on the ground may also go up in countries heavily reliant on Russian oil and gas imports. Travel industry regulations allow tour operators to pass on increases of up to 8% before consumers are entitled to cancel a trip without incurring a penalty. However, operators must cancel upcoming trips to areas that the FCDO advises against travel to and issue a refund or offer a rebooking. Ports including St Peterburg and Kiev are on many cruise itineraries, but operators such as Atlas Ocean Voyages and Princess Cruises are now changing routings to avoid Russian and Ukrainian destinations. Viking Cruises , meanwhile, is one of the firms opting to cancel some 2022 departures, including sailings from Kiev and Bucharest. Explore Worldwide , the leading provider of tours to Chernobyl, has cancelled all trips to Russia and Ukraine. “We are assisting our affected operating partners,” says the company’s managing director, Michael Edwards. “We have made a company donation and our staff are fundraising. We’re pleased to note that our resilient customers are still booking adventures elsewhere across the world.”

Are travellers cancelling trips to the region?

Destinations bordering Russia and Ukraine are seeing some consumer uncertainty about the wider impact of the conflict in Eastern Europe. Of the popular travel destinations bordering Ukraine to the west — Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Poland — the latter is currently receiving a significant number of refugees from Ukraine, with city break favourite Krakow only about 150 miles from the border. Bookings to Baltic destinations have slowed, according to specialist tour operator Regent Holidays , while a recent survey by travel agency MMGYGlobal found that the war in Ukraine is now twice as likely to impact Americans' plans to visit Europe than Covid-19.

However, other operators aren’t necessarily seeing this pattern. Undiscovered Destinations was due to run its popular ‘Journey Through Ukraine’ and ‘Echoes of the Cold War’ tours in Ukraine for 2022. “Obviously we’ve had to cancel them and have suspended all operations in Russia and Belarus until further notice,” says the company’s head of business development, Aled Evans. “Our clients have been very understanding, and all have rebooked; some have transferred to other Eastern European tours, in Bulgaria and Romania, others to our Baltic tours in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. We had expected that these areas would see a drop in interest but, in fact, the opposite has happened.”

What if I want to cancel my trip to a country that the FCDO hasn’t ruled out?

Unless the FCDO advises against travel to the region, you won’t be refunded for cancelling your trip. Russia has threatened “military consequences” if nearby countries such as Sweden and Finland join NATO, but there are currently no FCDO travel advisories in place for this region. If you’re worried about your destination suddenly making an appearance on the FCDO no-go list, the best way to protect your booking is by arranging travel via an ATOL-protected package sold by a reputable operator.

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Can you travel to Ukraine in 2024?

Can you travel to Ukraine in 2024? As in is it possible to visit Kiev and Lviv during the current conflict between the Ukraine and Russia? The short answer is yes and with relative ease, although it is not something we currently advocate, nor are planning tours to do so.

Travel to Ukraine before the war

Can you travel to Ukraine

Traveling to Ukraine before the war was extremely easy, with numerous international flights, as well as trains from Poland, Belarus and of course Russia. Prior to the current conflict Ukraine was one of our main destinations, particularly Chernobyl.

In fact we had a tour ready to go on February 28th 2024, of course we cancelled it, ironically to the ire of guests who had booked, but with hindsight it was obviously the correct choice. 

We are though still running tours to Transnsitria, you can read about our Unrecognised Countries tours here . 

Things though have of course changed and all flights and most trains have been cancelled, there are though still some ways in which you can travel to Ukraine in 2024.

Traveling to Lviv and Kiev from Poland in 202 4

can ukraine travel to uk

While most people are trying to get out of Ukraine, many are traveling in to the country be it on humanitarian work, as journalists, or even as volunteers for the Ukrainian army. 

There are also now a number of Ukrainians traveling to Lviv and Kiev as both are now considered relatively safe. This can perhaps be epitomised by how often soon to be ex-PM of the UK Boris Johnson has been going in and out of Kiev. Wag the dog anyone?

can ukraine travel to uk

To read about Wag The Dog click here . 

The most popular route into both Lviv and Kiev is to take the train from Krakow in Poland. Train times change, but it essentially involves midday journey from Krakow to Przemysi Glowny (station) for 3 hours and then changing for the Kiev leg of the journey. This part of the trip takes 15, or so hours to Kiev, or about 5 to Lviv. The cost is just over $100 as things stand. Obviously this involves going through Ukrainian customs and immigration, but with the amount of volunteers and aid workers going through is a relatively pain free process.

With that being said do not travel there with bad intentions, nor a Putin t-shirt. Do not also go as a so called “war tourist” what is happening in Ukraine is very real and should be teated with good taste.

Is it safe to travel to Lviv in 2024?

OK, so pretty much all governments as advise against all travel to the Ukraine, so we are not advocating it, but merely saying how it is. Lviv has largely been spared the horrors of war and is now home to many Ukrainians who have fled the rest of the country. 

In fact the bars and restaurants of Lviv are now so full you can hardly get in. If you were to pick anywhere in Ukraine to visit then it is Lviv.

Is it safe to travel to Kiev in 2024? 

While it was under constant attack from Russia and could have fallen, the city has now been largely left alone and life has slowly started to get back to normal. Bars are now open and people are indeed returning, although there is an 11 pm curfew.

With that being said rockets and missile attacks do still periodically hit the capital and as things stand no one truly knows how the war will play out. Therefore while you could never truly call Kiev, Kyiv safe, it is about as safe as it could be since the start of the conflict. 

Can you travel to Ukraine in 2024 with YPT?

can ukraine travel to uk

Young Pioneer Tours are currently running tours to both Lviv and Kyiv, with our monthly departures being capped at six people. For obvious reasons we do not advertise these itineraries and we suggest getting in touch for more details.

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Gareth Johnson

Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.

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EU countries have come together to welcome people who have fled the war in Ukraine. Find information about your rights in the EU, how to travel safely and contact details for national authorities.

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Travel Advisory May 22, 2023

Ukraine - level 4: do not travel.

Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

All U.S. citizens should carefully monitor U.S. government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place. Those choosing to remain in Ukraine should exercise caution due to the potential for military attacks, crime, civil unrest, and consult the Department’s latest security alerts.

The security situation in Ukraine remains unpredictable. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should stay vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. In the event of mortar, missile, drone, or rocket fire, follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. If you feel your current location is no longer safe, you should carefully assess the potential risks involved in moving to a different location.

There are continued reports of Russian forces and their proxies singling out U.S. citizens in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine for detention, interrogation, or harassment because of their nationality. U.S. citizens have also been singled out when evacuating by land through Russia-occupied territory or to Russia or Belarus.

U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance should email [email protected] for assistance. Please review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas . U.S. citizens may also seek consular services, including requests for repatriation loans, passports, and visa services, at U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries .

On February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian government declared a state of emergency. Each province (oblast) decides on measures to be implemented according to local conditions. Measures could include curfews, restrictions on the freedom of movement, ID verification, and increased security inspections, among other measures. Follow any oblast-specific state of emergency measures.

Many in the international community, including the United States and Ukraine, do not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea in 2014, nor the September 2022 purported annexation of four other Ukrainian oblasts -- Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in these areas. There are also abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in these regions, particularly against those who are seen as challenging Russia’s occupation.

Although Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine severely restricts the Embassy’s access and ability to provide services in these areas, the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continue to remotely provide certain emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts partially occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – to the extent possible given security conditions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over Ukraine. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ukraine.

Travel to High-Risk Areas

If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and travel to Ukraine, you should consider taking the following steps:

  • Visit our website on Travel to High-Risk areas .
  • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
  • Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
  • Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.
  • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
  • Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
  • Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first and how they should share the information.
  • Enroll your trip in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

If you are currently in Ukraine:

  • Read the Department’s country information page on Ukraine.
  • Familiarize yourself with information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas .
  • Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Notices related to your travel.
  • Get a COVID vaccine to facilitate your travel.
  • Understand the COVID testing and vaccine requirements for all countries that you will transit through to your destination.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Ukraine.
  • Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk areas .

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Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry and exit

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for tourism stays of less than 90 days within a 180-day period

Anything over €10,000 or foreign currency equivalent must be declared in writing

Same as restrictions for entry

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy kyiv.

4 A.I. Sikorsky St. (formerly Tankova) 04112 Kyiv, Ukraine Telephone:  +38 (044) 521-5000 Fax: +38 (044) 521-5544 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

  • You do not need a visa to enter Ukraine for tourism purposes for visits of up to 90 days in any 180 day period, but must be able to provide proof of valid health insurance and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
  • No vaccinations are required for entry, but you should be up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations .
  • A visa and residency permit is required for stays over 90 days. You must receive the visa in advance at a Ukrainian embassy or consulate. You cannot get a Ukrainian visa at the airport or at the border. For information regarding visa requirements and to find the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate, visit the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S.
  • You must have a visa to apply for a Ukrainian residency permit; you may not do so while on visa-free tourist travel. You must apply with the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) for a residency permit no later than 15 working days before your visa’s expiration date. Once you have a residency permit you can reside in Ukraine for as long as it remains valid. More information is available at the SMS website (limited information available in English).

Crimea: There is an extensive Russian Federation military presence in the Crimean Peninsula. Follow the guidance in our Travel Advisory for Ukraine and defer all travel to Crimea. If you choose to travel there, you should be aware:

  • U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Crimea and are unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.
  • You may only legally enter Crimea from mainland Ukraine.
  • Entrance into Crimea by any other entry point other than from mainland Ukraine, such as air, sea, or the Kerch Strait Bridge is illegal. You will be denied entry into mainland Ukraine and banned from entering Ukraine for five years.
  • Time spent in Crimea will count against the 90 day visa-free period. 

Eastern Ukraine: Russia-led forces continue to control areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and the ongoing armed conflict has resulted in more than 10,000 deaths. Follow the guidance in our Travel Advisory for Ukraine , and do not travel there. If you choose to travel to these areas, you should be aware:

  • U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and to adjacent regions, and the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.
  • Entering Ukraine through the area of armed conflict is a violation of Ukrainian law. U.S. citizens who enter Ukraine illegally through the area of armed conflict along the Russian border will not be allowed to pass through government checkpoints to territory controlled by the government of Ukraine.
  • Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) procedures at entry/exit points require that permit applications be submitted and approved electronically prior to travel in the zone of armed conflict.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Ukraine. However, anyone with tuberculosis cannot get permanent residency in Ukraine. There are no waivers or exceptions to this rule.

Information about customs rules can be found on the Ukrainian State Customs Service website and on our Customs Information page.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our website.

Safety and Security

Terrorism Activity: Credible information indicates that terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

Small-scale bombings continue to occur throughout Ukraine. While most attacks are at night and appear intended to cause property damage and incite fear, multiple attacks within the past year have been fatal, sometimes occurring in populated areas during daylight hours.

Please read the Travel Advisory for Ukraine before traveling. While in Ukraine, you should carry travel documents with you at all times.

Potential for civil disturbances: Large-scale protests have occurred from time to time in cities throughout Ukraine.

  • You should avoid large gatherings or protests and adjacent areas.
  • In the past, some protests have turned violent and resulted in deaths and injuries. 
  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to local news media.
  • The Embassy will post information about sizeable planned protests on the Embassy website .

Crimea: There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in Crimea as part of Russia’s occupation and attempted annexation of this part of Ukraine, which the international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize. There are continuing abuses against and arbitrary imprisonment of foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in Crimea, particularly abuses against individuals who are seen as challenging Russian authority on the peninsula. The U.S. government prohibits employees from traveling to Crimea and is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.

Eastern Ukraine : U.S. citizens should not travel to the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts due to ongoing armed conflict.

  • The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in this area.
  • U.S. citizens have been specifically targeted by gunmen representing the self-proclaimed authorities and threatened, detained, or kidnapped for hours or days.
  • Shortages of water, power, medicine, and food supplies have also been reported in Russian-proxy-controlled territory, and widespread disorder and looting has been confirmed in these areas.

Crime: Criminals may target tourists due to perceived wealth. A new professional and well-trained police force (Patrol Police) has been implemented, but police corruption remains an issue.

  • Criminal activity, including burglaries, robberies, muggings, and pickpocketing is increasingly a problem in Ukraine.
  • Law enforcement and emergency officials rarely speak English, and interpreters are not readily available.
  • Muggings, attacks, armed robberies, harassment, or the drugging at nightspots of unsuspecting victims (who are then robbed and/or assaulted) have been reported.
  • Cases of assaults in apartment building corridors, elevators, and stairwells, as well as armed break-ins and crimes involving firearms, have also been reported.
  • Recently, there has been an increase in reports of criminals luring unsuspecting visitors to Ukraine with promises of cheap lodging and/or companionship. The criminals then forcibly abduct the visitors and proceed to make unauthorized transactions via their victims’ bank cards and accounts.
  • Many incidents of criminal activity occur on the public transport system, including the metro. When riding on public transportation or moving in crowded areas, keep your purse, bag, or backpack tightly under your arm and/or in front of your body. 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victim of sexual assault should report crimes to the local police at 102 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +38 (044) 521-5000 after hours. 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

  • provide you with information about medical facilities
  • provide information about reporting a crime to the police
  • contact relatives or friends with your written consent
  • explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
  • provide a list of local attorneys
  • provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
  • provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution (subject to approval)
  • help you find temporary accommodation and arrange flights home in cases of destitution
  • replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. The Embassy will be able to assist with contacting police and provide you with a list of local shelters.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not occur everywhere. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally able to access areas outside of major cities and to provide necessary medical treatment, but it may take time for them to arrive. Local law requires foreigners to have medical insurance when traveling to Ukraine. U.S. citizens are encouraged to consider purchasing additional medical evacuation insurance when arranging their medical insurance for traveling to Ukraine. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. If you are arrested, you can face extended periods, even years, in pre-trial detention. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs are severe, and if convicted you can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Furthermore, some violations of laws in Ukraine are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrests: When in a foreign country, you are subject the country’s laws. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

  • Ukrainian law permits police to stop you for any reason and check your identification documents.
  • You are required to carry your passport at all times; police may check to verify your legal presence in Ukraine.
  • Police are permitted to detain you for up to 72 hours without formal charges.
  • If stopped by the police for an unclear reason, call the U.S. Embassy at +38 (044) 521 5000.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report and the following webpages for details

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report – see country reports
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is a problem in Ukraine, as LGBTI individuals have been the target of harassment, threats, and acts of violence. For more detailed information about LGBTI rights in Ukraine, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017 .  For further information on LGBTI travel, please read our Information for LGBT Travelers page.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section six of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Accessibility is an issue in Ukraine. Public transport systems are not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Some newer buildings feature ramps and elevators, but older buildings do not. You should check ahead with your hotel/destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Ukraine. See our Traveling with Disabilities page.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers .

By Ukrainian law, all foreigners coming to Ukraine must have medical insurance covering their period of travel. Note that the general quality of healthcare in Ukraine does not meet U.S. standards.

  • Fees at government clinics and hospitals are lower than those at private clinics, but there have been reports that doctors request bribes or additional payments before treating patients.
  • Private physicians and private hospitals charge fees for services, and some do not accept local health insurance. 
  • Public facilities only accept cash payments, while most private clinics accept credit cards.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas . We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medication: If traveling with prescription medication, check with the State Register of Medicines (Ukrainian language only) to ensure the medication is legal to bring into the country, as many medications that are legal in the United States are prohibited in Ukraine. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

The following diseases are prevalent in Ukraine:

  • Tuberculosis

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

  • Generally, roads outside major urban areas are in bad condition and poorly lit.
  • U.S. drivers licenses are not valid in Ukraine as their vehicle categories do not meet the standards enumerated in the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic (as amended in 2011). Travelers who do not have a foreign driver’s license that meets these requirements must obtain either a Ukrainian driver’s license or an International Driving Permit .
  • You should drive defensively at all times.
  • Drivers are often poorly trained; many drive without a valid driver's license.
  • Drivers can also be dangerously aggressive; often do not respect the rights of pedestrians, even at clearly marked pedestrian crossings; and sometimes drive on the sidewalks.
  • Many cars, including some taxis, do not meet U.S. safety standards.

In case of accidents:

  • Emergency number: Dial 103 for ambulance service and 102 for police. Ambulance crews do not respond quickly and do not often include trained paramedics.
  • Notify the police immediately. By law, police must be notified in the event of an accident. Remain at the scene until the police arrive to conduct an investigation.
  • It is a criminal offense to move the vehicle from the site of the accident unless it presents a clear safety concern (causing a traffic jam is not considered a safety concern). In practice, this even includes moving a vehicle to the side of the road.
  • You must wait until the police arrive and complete their report; often this can take several hours.
  • The police will decide preliminary responsibility, take the drivers’ personal information, seize driver’s licenses, and file an accident report. Temporary driver’s licenses will be issued. Once a court decision has been made regarding responsibility, the original driver’s licenses can be recovered from police. Note that in the vast majority of cases, the police will not speak English.

Traffic Laws:  

  • Ukraine has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment, and/or deportation.
  • Non-payment of traffic or parking fines may result in travel bans, which means you cannot leave the country until the fines (plus penalties) are paid.
  • Using a cellular telephone or texting while driving is illegal.
  • Do not turn right on a red light, unless there is a special green arrow sign attached to the stoplight.
  • Front seat belts are mandatory.

Public Transportation:

  • Only use marked taxis. Fares are given in advance when you order a taxi by phone, but prices are typically negotiated with the driver in advance if hailing a cab in the street.
  • Do not sit in the front seat of the taxi, enter a taxi with unknown passengers, or travel to unfamiliar areas.
  • Buses and trams are widely used.

See our Road Safety page for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Ukraine’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ukraine’s air carrier operations. You can find further information on the FAA website at the FAA safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Ukraine should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website ( https:homeport.uscg.mil ), and the NGA broadcast warnings website ( http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal - select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Ukraine . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Can British nationals go to Ukraine to fight against Russian troops?

  • Friday 4 March 2022 at 4:25pm

can ukraine travel to uk

As Russia 's invasion of Ukraine continues to devastate the country and claim thousands of lives, many across the world are looking for ways to help - including joining the military fight against Moscow.

Retired and serving British soldiers, and even citizens, have expressed their desire to support the Ukrainian resistance - but there has been confusion over whether they would be allowed to go.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise against all travel to Ukraine and told ITV News that "anyone who travels to conflict zones to engage in unlawful activity should expect to be investigated" when they return to Britain.

However, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has said she would "absolutely support" British nationals who want to join the fight.

Questions have been raised about the legality of Britons going abroad to fight in previous foreign conflicts and whether the same laws could apply to the Ukraine war.

What is the UK travel advice for Ukraine?

As of February 11, the FCDO has advised Britons against all travel to the whole of Ukraine.

It has also been urging British nationals to evacuate.

The FCDO's official advice says: "The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with attacks against a number of major cities. There is a real risk to life.

"We advise British nationals to leave Ukraine immediately if you judge it is safe to do so. Ukraine’s airspace is closed."

Can British citizens travel to Ukraine to fight?

Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for foreign volunteers to go to Ukraine and form an "international legion", promising them arms to fight against the Russian troops.

When the foreign secretary was asked if she would support UK citizens who chose to answer the call, Ms Truss told BBC’s Sunday Morning programme: "I do support that and of course, that is something that people can make their own decision about.

"The people of Ukraine are fighting for freedom and democracy, not just for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe, because that is what President Putin is challenging."

"Absolutely, if people want to support that struggle, I would support them in doing that," she added.

However, Downing Street and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace later effectively contradicted Ms Truss' comments.

Mr Wallace urged Britons not to travel to Ukraine to join the fighting as he said the “very dangerous” situation could lead to them being killed.

The defence secretary, who served in the Scots Guard, said it was a "just cause" for Ukrainians to return to fight but reiterated the risks.

He added: “If you're British and you just want to go and do this, and fight, I would give strong advice that if you want to help in that world - join our Armed Forces."

The Ministry of Defence has announced a host of new deployments in recent weeks.

British troops and tanks have been deployed to Estonia, near Russia’s border, while Royal Navy ships are at sea in the Mediterranean and Royal Air Force jets are conducting missions over Poland and Romania, intended to reassure allies.

But Mr Wallace said "you have to be a trained person" and it would be dangerous for amateurs to join the efforts, adding there are "better ways" for Britons to help.

He said this could be by donating money through the Ukrainian embassy to be spent on weaponry and aid, or to volunteer with organisations helping refugees .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said: "The best way we can help Ukraine right now is by ensuring Putin fails.

"There are a number of ways Brits can show their support for that, and the Ukrainian embassy in London is putting out information about how British people can support.

“We fully recognise the strength of feeling about British people wanting to support the Ukrainians following the Russian invasion. There’s advice up on travelling to Ukraine, we currently advise against travel to Ukraine.”

Is it illegal for Brits to join the Ukrainian fight?

When ITV News asked the FCDO if Brits travelling to Ukraine to fight would face prosecution, the spokesperson replied: "We advise against travel to Ukraine and anyone who travels to conflict zones to engage in unlawful activity, should expect to be investigated upon their return to the UK.”

However, they did not clarify what would be considered "unlawful activity".

In 2014, the Crown Prosecution Service warned that UK nationals who went to fight in the Syrian civil war could be committing an offence, even if they joined the rebels fighting to overthrow President Bashar Assad.

Despite Ms Truss' comments, questions have been raised about whether Britons could face similar criminal action if they go to Ukraine.

An FCDO spokesperson told ITV News: “We advise against travel to Ukraine and anyone who travels to conflict zones to engage in unlawful activity, should expect to be investigated upon their return to the UK.”

Former Brexit Secretary David Davis said on LBC: "I think actually it's illegal to go and fight in a foreign war these days".

He pointed to the Foreign Enlistment Act of 1870 which bans Britons from fighting in the "military or naval service of any foreign state" that is at war with a country that the UK is "at peace" with.

"There are certainly laws restricting who you can go and fight for already," he told the radio show.

However, he added: "People fought on various sides of the Spanish Civil war without being penalised when they came back".

Can British soldiers join the fight in Ukraine?

An Army spokesperson told ITV News that "all Service Personnel are prohibited from travelling to Ukraine until further notice".

"This applies whether the Service Person is on leave or not. Personnel travelling to Ukraine will face disciplinary and administrative consequences. The only personnel exempt from this order are those whose official duties require presence in Ukraine such as Defence Attaché staff," added the spokesperson.

It comes after a leaked message on the British Army's internal messaging service saw military chiefs ban soldiers from heading to Ukraine.

The note, shared on February 28, read: "There has been some recent media coverage relating to foreigners being welcomed into Ukraine to help fight against Russia.

"To be clear, as members of the British Army, you are not authorised to travel to Ukraine to support the ongoing conflict against Russia in any form, whether you are on leave or not.

"Please remain professional and focused on your duty and your team."

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Is it safe to travel to Poland because of the war in Ukraine?

A stray missile landed in poland near the border with ukraine and two people were killed as a result.

can ukraine travel to uk

E urope is currently facing a crisis with monumental consequences. While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put questions of defence and energy security on everyone’s lips, it is also having an effect on travel.

After the tragedy of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, shot down over eastern Ukraine in 2014, commercial airlines are taking no risks in flying over conflict zones, leading to longer journeys, especially from Asia. But even on routes that go nowhere near the region, fuel costs are rising because of the huge increase in the price of oil driven by the conflict.

On November 15, a missile struck eastern Poland and killed two people. It’s an escalation that saw Nato leaders scramble to convene over next steps and raised questions about whether it’s safe to travel to Poland . Here’s what you need to know.

Main photo: an Aeroflot plane; the Russian airline is banned from UK airspace (Getty Images)

Is it safe to travel to Poland?

Up to now, the conflict has been restricted to Ukrainian territory. And while there have been Russian military strikes within 20km of Poland, these have not crossed the borders.

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But on November 15, following an extended shelling in Ukraine, a stray Russian-made missile landed on the village of Przewodów, located in the Lubelskie province of eastern Poland. Two Polish citizens were killed. The incident is still under investigation but has raised fears of Nato forces being drawn into the war in Ukraine.

There is no travel advisory against travelling to Poland or its borders from the UK Foreign Office. The advice remains: “Russian military strikes have taken place in Ukraine within 20km of the Polish border. There is a real risk to life.”

What about visiting other countries that border Ukraine?

The UK Foreign Office has made no changes to its advice for most of Ukraine’s neighbours to the west, including Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, which means they are not considered as being at risk. Avoiding those countries’ borders with Ukraine is wise though, not least because of efforts to take in hundreds of thousands of refugees escaping the conflict. The same is true of the Polish border.

However, the UK Foreign Office advises against travel to Moldova’s Transnistria region on its eastern border with Ukraine and the crossing here has been closed. Moldova declared a state of emergency and closed its airspace on February 24. Lithuania, which borders Belarus north of Ukraine, declared a similar state of emergency, with everybody there required to carry photo ID at all times.

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.

Which flights are banned from the UK?

The government banned Aeroflot and other Russian carriers from British airspace on the first day of the invasion — a measure that was soon reciprocated by Russia. The UK Foreign Office has since advised against all travel to Russia and most of European airspace now barred to Russian planes and vice versa.

The knock-on effects will go well beyond Russia, and travellers to destinations in Asia may have to get used to longer, more circuitous flights. It’s an echo of aviation during the Cold War, when airlines from outside the Soviet Union could not use the most direct routes to the Far East over Siberia.

On flights from the UK , the need to avoid Russian and Ukrainian airspace will affect travel to any destinations between Pakistan and Japan. The extra mileage needed grows the further east you go, so a flight to Mumbai might only be an hour longer, while one to Tokyo would be considerably more.

However, aviation could be less affected than it was during the Cold War for a number of reasons: some destinations in east Asia, including China and North Korea, are still largely closed to visitors because of Covid restrictions; planes can fly longer distances now and — unless Russia returns to a Soviet-style ban on overflights by any foreign carrier — various Asian airlines will still be able to offer the most direct routes. While the world of long-haul travel may not yet see a revival of Anchorage, Alaska, as a refuelling hub as it was before the Iron Curtain fell, any distance added to flight routes will of course translate into higher ticket prices.

• How to get your money back if your flight is delayed • Covid and travel insurance: what do I need to know?

Commercial planes avoided airspace over Ukraine, Belarus and Russia on February 28 (Flightradar24)

Why are flights so expensive, and will this impact my holiday?

The attack on Ukraine and the implications of sanctions on Russia helped to push the price of Brent crude (the international benchmark for oil) above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2014. Although this has since fallen, prices remain high.

It is hard to disentangle the impact of the war in Ukraine from other global economic factors, such as supply chain issues that have been driving the price of oil up since the first Covid lockdowns of 2020 when it tumbled below $20 a barrel. Inflation has made headlines across most sectors this year, not just at the petrol pumps.

The share of fuel in the price of a plane ticket is usually smaller, since you are paying for a lot more than just the fuel, but it is still significant. To give a very rough example of how fuel price rises could affect a ticket, if a £150 ticket includes £30 for fuel, then a 50 per cent rise in the cost of that fuel should in theory result in the same ticket being priced at £165 after the increase. It is more complex than that, of course, thanks to airlines purchasing fuel in advance and having different fuel charges.

Airlines typically hedge against rises in jet fuel prices to protect that portion of the ticket cost from volatility, but if oil prices remain high, they will inevitably have to pass on that cost to passengers.

So it does seem likely that travellers will pay somewhat more for plane tickets than in the last “normal” pre-Covid of summer 2019, when oil prices were about 60 per cent of current levels. On the other hand, given the wild swings that the price of a ticket routinely goes through over its months on sale, driven by competition, changes in demand from leisure and business travellers and algorithms known only to the airline, the increase may not be as evident as it is at the petrol station.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

The Foreign Office has not added any new warnings about travel to Turkey linked to the war in Ukraine. There have long been parts of Turkey to which the FCDO advises against all or all but essential travel, but these are in the southeast of the country, particularly along the border with Syria, rather than on the Black Sea coast closest to Ukraine and Russia, or the Mediterranean coast, which is the most popular with British visitors.

Turkey has very recently shifted from fairly good relations with Russia to criticism of the invasion of Ukraine, and has invoked its right to close the straits that lead to the Black Sea to foreign warships. Turkey is also a Nato member.

• Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?

What will the impact be on cruises?

The picture for cruises in the Black Sea and Baltics is more mixed. Obviously, none will be sailing to the Ukrainian port of Odessa, and Russian stops are also being dropped from itineraries across the board with alternative destinations swapped in — although itinerary changes are fairly standard in cruising. In all cases, check with your cruise operator if they haven’t already explained what changes or cancellations they have made.

Some previous crises have shown that people will cancel travel plans even for destinations far from the affected region: the 1990-91 Gulf War led to a major fall in visitor numbers not just in the Middle East but in Europe too, while an epidemic of the Ebola virus mainly in three West African countries in 2014-16 saw a drop in tourism to east African destinations such as Kenya , despite parts of Europe being closer to the outbreak.

Crew are also impacted by the crisis. Royal Caribbean alone has some 500 Ukrainian crew on its ships and says it is supporting them in getting home if they want to, or helping crew on leave in Ukraine to return to their ships earlier.

How are travel companies reacting to the war in Ukraine?

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has impacted travel in many ways, from flight bans to the effects of rising fuel prices, but the industry has also reacted with initiatives of its own. Some companies are going further in their boycotts of Russia to try to apply pressure wherever possible for a return to the peace table.

In the crisis over refugees fleeing Ukraine, some big travel businesses have offered free flights, train seats and temporary accommodation to move displaced Ukrainians away from the border areas. And for some tour companies with long experience in the region and local partners in Ukraine, it’s been a case of helping to bring direct support to refugees in Poland and other neighbouring countries as they start to rebuild their lives.

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Machine guns and combat aircraft aren't enough to stop Ukraine's drone boats from destroying Russian warships, general says

  • Ukraine has been using naval drones to damage and destroy Russian warships.
  • Moscow has made some efforts to defend against them, like putting machine-gun crews on ships.
  • But Kyiv is "still a few steps ahead," a Ukrainian general said.

Insider Today

Ukraine's formidable fleet of exploding naval drones has hurt the Russian Black Sea Fleet since these weapons were first introduced, leaving a trail of damaged and destroyed warships in its wake.

Though Moscow has made efforts to curb this threat, a general in the Security Service of Ukraine, or SBU, said Kyiv's attacks are still finding success, which has ultimately led to the reopening of a maritime corridor in the Black Sea and the relocation of some Russian forces in the region.

"The adversary immediately began to respond to the threat of naval drones, but we are still a few steps ahead," Brig. Gen. Ivan Lukashevych, whose SBU team has carried out some of the boat operations, told Business Insider.

Ukraine, which had no naval warships when it was first attacked, unveiled its naval drones in 2022. Kyiv has since sought to develop what it calls "the world's first fleet of naval drones" — which would rely heavily on uncrewed surface vessels, or USV, called Sea Babies — and recently launched a fundraising initiative to purchase dozens of these systems for the SBU.

Ukraine's Sea Baby drones have been used in attacks targeting Russian warships and infrastructure — including a key bridge — around the Black Sea.

Moscow has defended against these drone attacks and has even taken some out, but ultimately, it has been unable to stop them from inflicting serious damage.

The Russians' "first move was to deploy machine gun crews on their warships to shoot down drones and reinforce their air-defense capabilities," Lukashevych said. "Their planes and combat helicopters are constantly patrolling the coastline and waters of the western Black Sea."

The general said that a joint team made up of the SBU and Ukrainian naval forces "were quick to come up with ways to equip a Sea Baby in order to break through the defenses of Russian ships or other targets."

He added that "the drone's self-detonation mode is very restricted and does not cover the full range of threats."

To make these drones more of a headache for Russia, Ukraine has made new ones that are "stronger, more efficient, and deadlier" than earlier models, Lukashevych said.

The new drones have larger warheads, making them more durable in the water, and ensuring they can travel greater distances, such as from positions in southern Ukraine to the occupied Crimean peninsula across the Black Sea — and back.

"The Russians are very well aware of what our drones are capable of," Lukashevych said. "They have already tested the distance we can operate at, the speed at which we can strike, and the payload we can carry. So they are eager to learn some new details."

Staying one step ahead of the Russians also means that the SBU is testing and manufacturing drones in multiple locations and constantly relocating. Special operations are carried out from different command posts in different areas.

"We have modified our maritime drones into multipurpose systems," Lukashevych said, explaining this allows the SBU "to cope quite successfully with the Russian fleet in order to keep it away from Ukrainian shores."

Ukraine said in early February that it had damaged or destroyed more than 24 Russian warships — amounting to a third of the Black Sea Fleet — since the full-scale invasion began two years ago.

Naval drone attacks have also driven some of the Russian fleet away from its headquarters in Sevastopol, a port city in the southwestern corner of the Crimean peninsula, across the Black Sea to Novorossiysk in Russia.

Western intelligence has cautioned that the fleet is not out of the fight and can still perform its main duties.

Nonetheless, Ukrainian officials are still celebrating pushing Russian forces across the Black Sea because it's allowed Kyiv to reestablish a critical maritime corridor in the region after living under a crushing blockade.

"We managed to unblock the grain corridor and suppress the activity of Russian missile launchers firing from the sea at the territory of Ukraine," Lukashevych said.

The general added that "forcing the enemy to flee from the Black Sea was the goal we sought and it was achieved."

Watch: Ukraine sends 'army of drones' to fight Russian troops

can ukraine travel to uk

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Ukraine's Zelenskiy approves ex-army chief Zaluzhnyi's candidacy as envoy to UK

Ukraine's President Zelenskiy and UAF Commander in Chief Zaluzhnyi pose for a picture during a meeting in Kyiv

Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Hugh Lawson, Elaine Hardcastle, Ron Popeski and Leslie Adler; editing by Diane Craft

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Pope Francis meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy

Biden signs spending bill to avert partial government shutdown, White House says

U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday signed a spending bill that averted a partial government shutdown, the White House said in a statement.

Ivory Coast's former president Laurent Gbagbo gestures during the second day of a meeting to launch the formation of a new political party at the Sofitel hotel in Abidjan

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Wave of drone strikes hit Russian region - as analyst predicts war could reach 'tipping point' this summer

A border region in Russia is hit by a wave of drone strikes. Meanwhile, the US embassy in Moscow has warned all American citizens to avoid big gatherings in the Russian capital for at least the next 48 hours - and UK officials say they are monitoring the threat.

Saturday 9 March 2024 18:24, UK

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  • Extremists have imminent plans in Moscow, US embassy warns
  • Russian region hit by wave of drone attacks
  • War could reach 'tipping point' this summer, analyst predicts
  • Drone attacks on Ukrainian soil as Odesa targeted again
  • India busts trafficking ring that duped men into fighting for Russia

Good evening.

Our live coverage remains paused today, but if you're just checking in, here are the key developments that took place over the last 24 hours.

Artillery attacks : Ukrainian authorities said two people, including a teenage boy, were killed in Russian artillery attacks.

Fighter jet downed : Russian air defences downed a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet over Ukraine's Donetsk region, the RIA news agency cited Russia's defence ministry as saying today.

Crimea bridge : Car traffic was briefly suspended over the Crimea bridge today, Russian authorities said. This is a move often made because of expected or actual attacks.

Peace summit : Volodymyr Zelenskyy said yesterday that Russia would not be invited to the first peace summit due to be held in Switzerland.

Pope : In an interview, Pope Francis said that Ukraine should have what he called the courage of the "white flag" and negotiate an end to the war with Russia.

NATO : Large NATO drills in the fjords of northern Norway are being carried out to hone the fighting skills of the newly expanded 32-nation military alliance. 

We'll bring you more updates on the Ukraine conflict soon - until then, you can scroll back through this blog for today's updates

President Zelenskyy has arrived in Turkey to meet with his counterpart Recip Tayyip Erdogan. 

These images show the Ukrainian leader visiting a shipyard in Istanbul - posing for photographs near the corvette Ivan Vyhovsky - which is still under construction. 

"During the visit, the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, the grain corridor agreement, the latest situation and the search for permanent peace in the region will be discussed in detail," a Turkish government statement read (see 9.41am for more). 

Earlier, we reported that India's intelligence agency had disrupted a human trafficking scheme that saw young men duped into going to Russia - only to be forced to fight against Ukraine. 

This video shows an official from India's external affairs ministry sharing details on the scheme.

Watch below...

The war in Ukraine could reach a point of no return over the summer if the West does not intervene and supply Kyiv with the weapons and ammunition it needs to continue its fight against Russia, an analyst has warned.

"Supplies of critical munitions for frontline Ukrainian units are dwindling, and soldiers are being forced to ration... some units are experiencing significant manpower shortages," Dara Massicot told Foreign Affairs . 

Conversely, "Russian advantages in manpower, materiel, and defence production have grown in the past year". 

Why isn't the West doing more?

Europe is trying its best to supply Ukraine as best it can, but the reality is the US needs to continue its commitment to Kyiv.

A package worth some $95bn (£75bn) was approved by the Democrat-led Senate on 13 February, but is likely to face stiff opposition in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

Both houses of Congress must approve the bill before Joe Biden can sign it into law. 

Some $60bn (£47bn) of the package is allocated for military aid for Ukraine alone. 

However, former president Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress want funding directed toward domestic issues such as border control, rather than on foreign wars. 

Critics of Mr Trump have suggested he is deliberately blocking legislation that would ensure funding for both Ukraine and border control because he intends to focus his election campaign on immigration and it is therefore not in his interests to improve the perceived problems.

What happens next?

"Without a surge in Western military aid and major changes to Kyiv’s strategy, Ukraine’s battlefield position will continue to worsen until it reaches a tipping point, possibly by this summer," Ms Massicot says. 

Without the rapid flow of supplies, Ukraine will be forced to continue its rationing of resources while facing continual attacks from a well-supplied enemy. 

"Unless immediate changes are made, this is the path that Ukraine and the West are on.

She surmises that Ukrainian soldiers will be the one to suffer - not because they lack the will to fight or do not know their enemy's weaknesses, "but because of shortfalls in ammunition and manpower".

"Time is running out," she concludes. 

By Sam Doak, OSINT producer

The Ministry of Defence has released satellite imagery showing what it claims is an Iranian made Mohajer-6 drone at a Russian-controlled airfield in Crimea. 

Captured by Airbus on 23 February, the imagery shows an unmanned aerial vehicle at a runway in Saky Airfield, next to a vehicle described by the Ministry of Defence as a "UAV ground control station".  

Sky News has independently verified the location in the image, determining that it shows the area claimed by the MoD. 

The aircraft bares a close resemblance to the Mohajer-6 as shown in publicly available images of the drone.  

According to the MoD, the Mohajeer-6 has an extendable range of around 200km (124 miles). In its intelligence update, it said its purpose was likely to aid in the detection of threats to Russian ships and ports.  

In recent months, Russian warships have been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian forces using naval drones. The most recent instance of this resulted in the sinking of the patrol ship Sergey Kotov on 3 March.  

Russia has controlled Saky Airfield since its occupation of Crimea in early 2014. 

It has been subject to several major attacks since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including one in January that reportedly killed the deputy commander of the country's 43rd Aviation Regiment.  

Residents in areas of Russian-occupied Ukraine are set to vote in the upcoming Russian presidential elections. 

These images, from Donetsk, show polling stations being prepared for voting.

NGOs, charities and nations have called the "sham" elections in the regions illegal, given that they are Ukrainian sovereign territory. 

OpenDemocracy says Russia has installed sympathetic local leaders in each of the occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson and is holding the votes in an attempt to legitimise their annexation. 

The Ukrainian region of Sumy has come under missile attack, killing two and injuring scores of others, the regional administration has said. 

"As a result of the impact, 26 people were injured, two people died," it said in a statement, adding that six people had been hospitalised. 

"The premises of the school, the central city hospital, the regional emergency medical care centre and the water utility were damaged," it added. 

A total of 28 windows and two doors were damaged in the hospital, it said, sharing this image:

An update to bring you on our previous post...

At least two people have died as a result of another drone attack on Belgorod, the governor has said. 

Three drones hit the village of Rozhdestvenka, Vyacheslav Gladkov said.

"As a result of the explosions, two people were killed, a third man was seriously wounded."

This latest attack appears to be separate from the six drones noted in our last post - making a total of nine drones attacking Belgorod today, according to the governor. 

Belgorod sits on Russia's border with Ukraine, near the Kharkiv region, and has been the frequent target of drone and shelling attacks by Ukraine. 

Six Ukrainian drones have been spotted over Belgorod this morning, the governor of Russian border region has said. 

Four separate waves of attacks were observed over several villages, Vyacheslav Gladkov said. 

Five were shot down, while the other managed to drop "an explosive" onto an "agricultural enterprise", he added. 

Nobody has been hurt or killed, he added. 

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can ukraine travel to uk

  • International
  • Foreign affairs

UK updates travel advice to some western regions of Ukraine

The UK government has updated its travel advice to Ukraine following a change in the risk assessment on the ground in 4 western regions of the country.

can ukraine travel to uk

  • the UK has updated its travel advice to some western regions of Ukraine including Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Chernivtsi to advise against all but essential travel
  • the UK previously advised against all travel to the whole of Ukraine after Russia’s illegal invasion in February 2022
  • guidance continues to advise against all travel to the capital Kyiv

The UK government has updated its travel advice to Ukraine today following a change in the risk assessment on the ground in 4 western regions of the country.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice has been updated to advise against all but essential travel to the regions, known as oblasts, of Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Chernivtsi in western Ukraine. This is a change from the previous advice against all travel to the whole of Ukraine.

The FCDO constantly updates its travel advice on the basis of the situation on the ground and is not subject to any political or economic considerations. The safety and security of the British people is our utmost concern when determining guidance for British nationals overseas.

Russia continues to illegally wage war across Ukraine but the country continues to show remarkable determination and resilience in the face of Russia’s attacks, which is why the UK has changed its travel advice to these regions. It has strong air defence systems which are helping to defend the country from Russia’s missile and drone strikes.

In response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the UK previously updated its travel advice to advise against all travel. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to the rest of Ukraine including the capital Kyiv.

Read the FCDO travel advice for Ukraine .

  • the FCDO cannot enforce travel advice. No foreign travel can be guaranteed as safe
  • any decision to travel is for individuals to take on the basis of the best available information from the FCDO travel advice and other sources
  • whether travel is essential or not is your own decision. You may have urgent family or business commitments which you need to attend to. Only you can make an informed decision based on your own individual circumstances and the risks

Media enquiries

Email [email protected]

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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Volodymyr Zelensky autographs a Storm Shadow/SCALP missile.

British troops operating on the ground in Ukraine – what international law says

can ukraine travel to uk

Professor of International Relations and Security, University of Bradford

Disclosure statement

Christoph Bluth received funding from the Volkswagen Foundation and the British Council.

University of Bradford provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation UK.

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Leaked communications involving high-level German government and military figures appear to confirm that British army personnel are engaged on the ground in Ukraine. An unencrypted telephone call intercepted and leaked to Russian broadcaster RT suggested British troops were helping the defending forces in the use of Storm Shadow cruise missiles the UK has supplied to help Kyiv’s war effort.

In response, the UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak, confirmed that there are a “small number” of British army personnel “supporting the armed forces of Ukraine”. But he added that “we haven’t got any plans for large-scale deployment”.

There have also been unconfirmed reports that British special forces personnel were operating inside Ukraine shortly after the beginning of Russia’s invasion in the spring of 2022. Again, this has not been confirmed by the UK ministry of defence.

Russia has consistently maintained that any non-Ukrainian military personnel training troops to operate weapons systems in-country would be legitimate military targets for Russia – as would the factories producing those weapons systems in third-party countries.

The episode raises some important questions as to whether training Ukrainian troops on the battlefield comprises an act of war – and whether this means Britain risks being designated a co-combatant alongside Ukraine.

Konstantin Kosachev, the deputy speaker of Russia’s federation council, was reported by Russia’s state-run news agency Tass as saying that by supplying weapons to Ukraine, Nato countries were progressing along a path towards direct confrontation. Sending troops to Ukraine, he said, “can be interpreted as the alliance’s direct involvement in hostilities, or even as a declaration of war”.

What international law says

The day after Russia invaded Ukraine, as Kyiv’s allies scrambled to find a response, it was reported that the US government was reviewing the legality of providing arms to help with the country’s defence.

Within days, Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, had declared that even imposing economic sanctions would be an “act of war”. His defence ministry released a statement that if third-party countries allowed Ukraine to use their bases as a safe haven for Ukrainian aircraft, then “subsequent use against the Russian armed forces can be regarded as the involvement of these states in an armed conflict”.

Since the second world war, the laws of neutrality have been interpreted so that states can provide weapons and other support to a state unjustly attacked by a belligerent country, to enable it to defend itself. According to this definition, third-party countries would become co-combatants only if they resort to armed force against Russia.

Russia’s incursion into Ukraine has been ruled as a flagrant breach of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter , which prohibits the “use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state”. Russia’s war in Ukraine has been denounced as an act of aggression by the UN general assembly and the International Court of Justice .

Moreover, it is claimed that Russia has been implicated in breaches of international humanitarian law through its apparent indiscriminate bombing and other violent attacks, and crimes against civilians . This would mean that anyone supplying Russia – the belligerent in this conflict – with arms is in breach of international law.

Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev put their heads together while talking.

But the question remains, if it is legal to supply Ukraine with weapons to help defend itself, would actually helping the Ukrainian military use them to hit Russian targets make the UK a co-combatant?

While the law is not settled, legal scholars believe supplying Ukraine with the means to defend itself against Russia does not in itself constitute a breach of international law – and nor does it make the UK a co-combatant. Any action by UK forces would only constitute a combat operation if these actions, carried out by UK personnel without any further action by Ukrainians, would launch a missile or any other kind of attack on Russian forces.

Risk of escalation

But there remains the question of escalation. Whatever the legal situation – and Russia has shown itself willing to ignore the rules of warfare by violating Ukraine’s territorial integrity since the incursions of 2014 and in the full-scale invasion in February 2022 – Putin and his senior ministers have regularly warned Kyiv’s western allies that their aid may constitute an escalation to which it would respond with all available means, including nuclear weapons.

Accordingly, to prevent a direct confrontation with Russia, Nato countries have been wary about the kinds of weapon they will supply to Ukraine. The guiding principle has been that western-supplied weapons should not be used in attacks against Russian territory .

But this may change. Germany has, up to now, been very reluctant to supply Ukraine with its Taurus missiles , which have a range of 500km and could be used against targets deep in Russian territory. However, recent reports suggest the German government is considering supplying these missiles to Ukraine.

The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, was quick, though, to insist that “German soldiers must at no point and in no place be linked to targets this system reaches”, making it absolutely clear that Germany would not risk its involvement being interpreted as a direct act of escalation.

And despite the Kremlin’s repeated threats, it is not eager to engage Nato militarily . So, despite all the strong words being exchanged by both sides, there has been no sign that Nato and Russia will face each other on the battlefield in Ukraine – for the moment, at least.

  • International law
  • international Court of Justice
  • UN General Assembly
  • Military aid
  • Volodymyr Zelensky
  • Geneva Conventions
  • Ukraine invasion 2022

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