(KYIV) – The Russian Foreign Ministry has stated it cannot guarantee the safety of Western politicians and diplomats travelling to Ukraine, urging foreign officials to “soberly assess the risks” of such visits.
The statement, reported by The Moscow Times and cited by UNN, came from Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. According to Zakharova, the Russian side receives requests through diplomatic channels before some trips to Ukraine, asking for assurances that foreign officials can travel safely.
“No one can guarantee the safety of representatives of Western states during such visits,” Zakharova said.
The comment followed a strike on 13th September at Yahodyn station in the Volyn region, where a passenger train locomotive was hit near the Polish border. The Ukrainian side suggested the target might have been a diplomatic train carrying security advisers from several European Union countries and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Former CIA Director David Petraeus was on another train at the station.
During attacks, crossing operations are suspended, according to Demchenko, who spoke about security measures at border crossing points on 14th September.
After the attack, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk convened an emergency government meeting and said the risks to Poland were increasing. He called on NATO allies to be prepared for increased Russian activity over the coming weeks and months and for a joint response if necessary.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius described the attack on the train near the Polish border as a calculated escalation by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to sow fear in Europe.
Be First to Comment