MFA Repeats Warning for Foreign Embassies in Kyiv to Evacuate After Train Strike Near Poland

Sep. 15, 2026 Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday once again urged foreign embassies in Kyiv to evacuate following a Russian strike on a passenger train near the Polish border shortly after European diplomats used the same rail track. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the warning, first issued this spring, “remains relevant” despite occasional diplomatic requests to grant Western “political tourists” safe passage into Ukraine. “Western politicians and diplomats should make a sober assessment of the existing risks,” Zakharova said in response to a question about Sunday’s attack on a passenger train around 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Polish border. The rail track that was attacked had been used minutes earlier by another train carrying a group including former British prime minister Boris Johnson and former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt. Zakharova accused the politicians of “blatantly ignoring” the warnings of their own governments against visiting Ukraine. She argued that Ukrainian railway stations and transportation infrastructure used for military purposes were legitimate targets and accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of treating Western visitors as “human shields.” Russia’s Defense Ministry said its attacks on Sunday targeted infrastructure used to move military cargo from Europe to Ukraine. Ukraine operates several border crossings with Poland, through which a significant proportion of the military and humanitarian aid from its Western allies is delivered to the country. Read more about: Foreign Ministry , Ukraine war Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russia Seeks Explanation From U.S. and Turkey Over Reports of Possible Arms Transfer Turkey requested permission from Washington to send Ukraine tens of thousands of cluster munitions that had sat in Ankara's stockpiles for decades. 1 Min read Russia Slams Ukrainian-European Plan for Peacekeeping Force "All such units and facilities will be considered legitimate military targets," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. 3 Min read Russia Says U.S. Cluster Bombs for Ukraine Show 'Weakness' "The latest 'miracle weapon' which Washington and Kyiv are betting on ... will have no effect" on Russia's campaign in Ukraine, the Foreign Ministry said... 1 Min read Russia Says U.K. Long-Range Missiles for Kyiv 'Extremely Hostile' Act The Foreign Ministry said Moscow would "take all necessary measures to neutralize the threats" posed by the new missiles. 1 Min read