Russia warns Western officials of risks traveling to Ukraine

Russia has issued a warning to Western politicians and diplomats regarding the risks of traveling to Ukraine, stating that Moscow cannot guarantee their safety. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova characterized visiting officials as ‘political tourists’ and claimed the Ukrainian government uses them as ‘human shields’ to protect military escalations.

The warning follows a drone attack on a railway line near the Polish border, shortly after a diplomatic train had passed through the area. Passengers on the train reportedly included high-profile figures such as former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, and former CIA Director David Petraeus. Zakharova emphasized that railway hubs and transport networks used by the Ukrainian military are legitimate targets.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister reported that over 500 locomotives have been damaged or destroyed by Russian attacks since the start of the war, noting that more than half of these incidents occurred this year. The Ukrainian government has called for international assistance to secure compatible locomotives and funding for new equipment.