In a significant initiative this July, spearheaded by Remigijus Šimašius, Senior Policy Analyst at CPI, we are calling for a critical reassessment of travel advice on Ukraine. Drawing from extensive on-ground observations and engagements, our institute has identified an urgent need to revise the overly cautious travel warning that uniformly discourages travel to all the regions of Ukraine.
The CPI addressed the ministries of Foreign Affairs of NATO and EU countries with the initiative – pls read bellow the information about the initiative as it was presented in the letters to the honorable ministers:
The existing travel advice issued by most EU, NATO and other democratic countries is against ALL travel to Ukraine. Just the UK government is slightly more lenient, advising against all but essential travel to the rest of Ukraine, and strictly advises against all travel to occupied territories.
These recommendations do not reflect the nuanced security landscape within Ukraine. While it is undoubtedly crucial to avoid occupied territories and areas close to the front lines also involve a real danger, significant parts of Ukraine, especially in the western and central regions, remain relatively safe for travel, business and investment activities. People outside Ukraine forget that it is the biggest country in Europe. And luckily only a small part of Ukraine’s huge territory is extremely dangerous due to Russian aggression. The probability to be killed by a missile in western Ukraine is lower than to be killed in a car accident.
The existing travel advice often puts travel to Ukraine in the same risk category as Russia. The situation, however, is much more dangerous in Russia than democratic government do perceive. It is not just the current geopolitical climate, but also at least two specific security issues, both related to a threat against foreign citizens, as well as against foreign governments. First, the numerous announced and unannounced criminal cases against citizens of Western countries for different activities that are simply a manifestation of policies different from those the Kremlin is imposing. Second, massive attempts by Russian secret service to recruit those traveling to Russia for spying activities (Russian citizens and those holding dual citizenship first, but also other travelers).
Ukraine's path to recovery and stability hinges not only on military and humanitarian aid but also on robust economic support, trade and private investment. Revising travel advice is a practical step that can unleash the potential for substantial foreign investments and economic activities. Clear and precise travel guidelines will reassure foreign investors about the safety of operating in specific parts of Ukraine. This, coupled with targeted investment incentives and protections, can significantly boost Ukraine's economy.
Action Points
1. We urge your esteemed office to initiate a review of the current travel advice for Ukraine. The guidelines should provide more detailed and region-specific recommendations that distinguish between occupied territories, areas of active conflict and those that are safe for travel and business activities.
2. We urge your esteemed office to strengthen non travel advice for Russia. Such measures will protect our citizens, our security, and underscore the distinction between the security environments of Ukraine and Russia.
We remain at your disposal for any further discussion or collaboration on this matter. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
The CPI invites government institutions of the democratic world, civic society, business society and all other concerned to advise decision makers on these proposals.
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