Ukrainian MFA: Citizens should 'think twice' before visiting Russia
Recently, the cases of detentions and arrests of Ukrainian citizens in the Russian Federation has increased.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that the citizens of Ukraine realistically assess the existing risks and threats and carefully weigh the need for travel to the Russian Federation, as reported in the statement of the Department of the Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on Facebook.
The Ministry received reports of groundless detentions and arrests of Ukrainian citizens within the Russian Federation and the inhumane treatment of them by security forces. Such measures are incompatible with human dignity, including the unacceptable methods of physical and psychological torture. In recent years, cases of detained Ukrainians have increased. Among the personal belongings, foreign objects were found, including drugs belonging to a third party.
"As a result, in order to avoid unlawful detention, it is necessary to be vigilant and attentive in contacts with any unauthorized persons, including officials of the Russian Federation authorized to carry out customs, passport and all other types of control," underlined the message.
The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine also warned about involvement in the illegal transportation of narcotic substances, including within Russian territory, by providing suggestions on the employment of couriers to deliver goods to neighboring countries.
"The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly received complaints from family members of freight carriers who are citizens of Ukraine about the arrest of their relatives in Russia on charges of importing drugs. Taking this into account, the Foreign Ministry recommends citizens use extreme caution and vigilance when receiving offers from intermediaries or individuals for the transportation of goods across the border," the Foreign Ministry noted.