Paris “strongly” recommends its nationals “where the presence is not essential” to leave Russia.

Paris “strongly” recommends its nationals “where the presence is not essential” to leave Russia - France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has just raised its level of vigilance concerning French nationals in Russia. In a publication posted this Thursday on its site, the Quai d'Orsay "strongly" recommends "French nationals, whose presence and that of their family is not essential in Russia, to make arrangements to leave the country by still existing connections". Until then, this recommendation only concerned French people "passing through" Russia. The ministry said that "in the context created by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the application of the international sanctions pronounced against Russia, it is necessary to show increased vigilance" adding that "any travel to Russia should be postponed".

On February 19th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended that French nationals leave Ukraine. A few days later, on February 23rd, the Quai d'Orsay classified Ukraine in the red zone and invited French nationals to leave the country "without delay".