Russian attacks may intensify: Germany has issued new recommendations for its citizens in Ukraine

16.08.2026, 02:24 visitukraine.today

On the eve of Independence Day, the German Foreign Ministry is warning of a growing threat of widespread shelling and has released new safety guidelines for foreigners in Ukraine. Find out how to properly prepare for an unplanned trip and where to get reliable medical insurance that covers military risks

The German Foreign Ministry has officially updated its travel advisories for German citizens currently in Ukraine or planning to travel there. Officials in Berlin are seriously concerned that the intensity of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities could increase significantly in the coming days.

The German ministry notes that hostilities continue, with the Russian army launching missiles and kamikaze drones on an almost daily basis. Diplomats emphasize that there are currently no completely safe regions in Ukraine; the threat persists across the entire country.

The German side is particularly concerned about the approaching Independence Day in Ukraine. According to estimates by experts at the German Foreign Ministry, the risk of massive shelling traditionally increases during this period.

Officials in Berlin warn that not only military targets but also civilian facilities could be targeted. Energy facilities, transportation hubs, and railways are at risk. Travelers are also reminded that Ukraine’s airspace remains completely closed—entry into and exit from the country are possible only by car, bus, or train.

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If it is impossible to cancel or reschedule a business trip, German authorities strongly urge their citizens to develop a detailed emergency plan in advance.

Travelers are advised to install the official Ukrainian app that alerts users to air raid warnings and, upon arrival, immediately find out where the nearest shelter is located. It is also extremely important to follow local news, avoid going outside during curfew, and be sure to register on the German Foreign Ministry’s special crisis list.

The German Foreign Ministry warns frankly: due to active hostilities, the embassy’s ability to provide assistance within Ukraine is currently extremely limited, so responsibility for the lives and health of visitors lies with the visitors themselves.

Given these risks, foreigners must take responsibility for their own financial and physical protection. It is important to remember that standard travel insurance policies issued in the EU are not valid in combat zones. For safe travel, you need special medical insurance covering military risks.

You can purchase such a policy online in just a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine portal. This insurance not only guarantees emergency medical care and treatment in the event of injury or illness but also covers unforeseen risks directly related to the consequences of military operations.

Please note! A two-day trip to Kyiv or a long weekend in Lviv does not take the traveler to another country, unlike a three-week business trip, because the entire territory outside the occupied regions and the front lines carries the same basic military risk regardless of how many nights of accommodation are booked. Find out why even a short visit to Ukraine still requires separate insurance against military risks, and how to choose the right plan for your trip.

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Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

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