Ukrainians advised to leave Afghanistan immediately due to Taliban offensive

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has recommended that Ukrainian citizens refrain from traveling to Afghanistan due to the escalation of the security situation in Afghanistan, and those who stay there should leave the country immediately, the ministry's press service has reported.

"Due to the escalation of the armed conflict in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine urges Ukrainian citizens to refrain from any travel to Afghanistan until the security situation gets stabilized, and those who continue to stay in this country should leave its territory immediately," the report reads.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also advised Ukrainians, in the event of any threat to their life or health, or other circumstances requiring an immediate consular response, to immediately contact the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Tajikistan, which is responsible for Afghanistan (hotline: +992 900006520, e-mail: emb_tj@mfa.gov.ua), or the round-the-clock hotline of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry by phone +38 044 238-16-57, e-mail: cons_or@mfa.gov.ua.

After the withdrawal of foreign troops, Taliban militants are rapidly expanding their sphere of influence in Afghanistan. In the past few days, the Taliban have seized ten centers in the Afghan provinces.

op