In the run-up to Ukraine's Independence Day, celebrated on August 24, 2026, the German Federal Foreign Office has updated its recommendations for citizens planning trips to the country. In an official statement published on August 15, the German ministry warned of a possible intensification of Russian airstrikes across Ukraine, including civilian infrastructure and facilities.

Threat during the Independence Day celebrations

According to the German Foreign Office, Russia continues to launch regular strikes using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones—almost daily. The updated recommendations specifically highlight the period around August 24: "An intensification of attacks in connection with the Independence Day celebrations cannot be ruled out." Targets could include energy facilities, transport hubs, as well as residential areas, schools, hospitals, and other civilian sites.

Entry and exit restrictions

Ukraine's airspace remains closed to civilian air traffic. This means that all entry and exit is possible only via land transport—through the borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. German diplomats remind travelers that even with a valid visa or entry permit, crossing the border may be difficult due to checks, queues, or temporary restrictions imposed by Ukrainian authorities.

Safety recommendations for German citizens

If a trip to Ukraine cannot be postponed due to professional or family circumstances, the German Foreign Office strongly recommends:

  • Install the official Ukrainian app "Повітряна тривога" (Air Alert) to receive instant notifications about air raids;
  • Identify the nearest bomb shelter or safe location in your area of residence in advance;
  • Monitor announcements from local authorities, media, and emergency services;
  • Comply with curfews that are in effect in many regions;
  • Register on the German Foreign Office's Crisis Response List (Krisenreaktionsliste).

Important: Consular assistance for German citizens in Ukraine remains extremely limited due to the ongoing war and risks to personnel.

Contradictory data

While the German Foreign Office refers to a general assessment of the situation, including UN data on a record number of civilian casualties in July 2026 (437 killed, 2,610 injured), Ukrainian authorities and international observers point out that statistics may be incomplete due to difficulties accessing certain areas. Furthermore, some experts believe that the warning about a "possible intensification of attacks" is a standard procedure before major dates rather than a reflection of specific intelligence. Nevertheless, both sides agree: the risk remains high, and any travel requires maximum caution.

Context: July 2026 — the bloodiest month since the start of the invasion

According to a UN report published in early August 2026, July became the deadliest month for Ukraine's civilian population since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Strikes on cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Lviv, led to massive destruction and human casualties. This provides additional context for Germany's warnings: even if a tourist is not a target, they could end up in the zone of random strikes or shelling.

What to do if you are already in Ukraine?

German citizens currently in Ukraine are advised to immediately contact the German Embassy in Kyiv or the Consulates General in Lviv and Odesa. It is also recommended to avoid trips to border regions, active combat zones, and major cities where the probability of strikes is higher. In case of an emergency, call the unified emergency services number 112.