German embassy warns against travel to Ukraine

The German embassy in Kiev has issued a travel warning for Ukraine.

The German embassy in Kiev has updated its security and travel advice for German citizens in the country ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day on August 14.

The embassy warned that there is a possibility of increased Russian air strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and major transport hubs on and around August 24.

The diplomatic mission drew particular attention to the risks associated with the use of rail transport. According to the embassy, Ukrainian railway infrastructure remains one of the main targets of air attacks.

Russian forces have previously carried out air strikes not only on railway stations and infrastructure facilities, but also on moving trains. In particular, an attack on a passenger train near Odessa on August 13 killed a train driver and his assistant. In June, Russia struck three railway locomotives in different parts of Ukraine. Railway stations, signaling facilities and electrical substations were also attacked in the Sumy region.

Meanwhile, a new head of the German diplomatic mission in Ukraine has been appointed. Boris Ruge has taken up his duties as the new German ambassador to Ukraine. Ruge has served as NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy since September 2023. He was previously the Vice-Chairman of the Munich Security Conference. He also served as Germany's ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 2014 to 2016. Boris Ruge replaces Heiko Thoms, who has served as Germany's ambassador to Ukraine since September 2025.