Germany has urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Ukraine ahead of Independence Day

Germany has updated its advice for its citizens planning to travel to Ukraine. The German Federal Foreign Office has warned that, in the run-up to and on Ukraine’s Independence Day on 24 August 2026, an intensification of Russian attacks on infrastructure and civilian targets cannot be ruled out. This is stated in the official advice issued by the German Federal Foreign Office.

The German ministry emphasised that hostilities in Ukraine are continuing, and that Russian troops are using missiles and drones to strike the country on an almost daily basis. The danger persists across all regions of Ukraine.

The German Foreign Ministry paid particular attention to the upcoming Independence Day. According to German diplomats, Russian attacks may intensify during this period. Energy infrastructure, transport hubs and civilian facilities may be at risk.

In light of this, German citizens are advised to refrain from travelling to Ukraine unless absolutely necessary. Those who need to travel for urgent professional reasons are advised to draw up a detailed safety plan in advance and to be aware of the significant risks involved.

Advice for German citizens

If travelling, the German Foreign Office recommends identifying the nearest shelter in advance, downloading a Ukrainian app to receive air-raid alerts, and keeping a close eye on announcements from local authorities and the media.

German citizens are also advised to observe the curfew and register with the German Foreign Ministry’s crisis response system.

Separately, diplomats warn that Germany’s ability to assist its citizens within Ukraine remains significantly limited. Consular services at the embassy are also available only to a limited extent, and the German Consulate-General in Donetsk remains closed.

Germany has warned of infrastructure problems

The German Foreign Ministry also pointed out that Russian attacks could lead to disruptions to critical infrastructure. Power, heating, gas and water cuts can sometimes last for several days or even weeks.

They noted that difficulties also persist in the transport sector. Russian strikes on Ukraine’s railway infrastructure are causing delays and disruptions to train services. Although damage is often repaired promptly, passengers are warned of possible significant delays, particularly during the colder months. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s airspace remains closed, meaning that entry to and exit from the country are only possible by land transport.