Germany expands Russia travel warning as Ukraine steps up attacks

Germany's Foreign Office on Wednesday expanded its travel advisory for Russia, warning against travel across the country due to an increased risk from Ukrainian drone attacks.

The warning previously only applied to areas bordering Ukraine.

The Foreign Office said there is a "significant risk" from drones and drone debris throughout Russia, adding that German nationals and those with dual German-Russian citizenship also face the risk of arbitrary arrest.

As part of its defence against Russia's full-scale invasion - now well into its fifth year - Ukraine has expanded its drone attacks on Russia, often targeting oil refineries, industrial plans and military installations far beyond the front line.

The German Foreign Office noted that the urban area and the wider surroundings of Moscow, the area around St Petersburg and the Leningrad region are now increasingly targeted in large-scale drone attacks.

"Although the defence system around Moscow has been significantly expanded, drone attacks and falling debris have nevertheless caused damage, sometimes considerable," the travel advisory states.

Air traffic has also been affected, the office said. "Particularly in the west of the Russian Federation, but also extending far into the centre and south of the country, airports are repeatedly being closed for several hours for security reasons."

This could lead to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and chaotic conditions at the affected airports, it said. 

Direct flights between Russia and Germany, as well as other European countries, have been suspended, though travel is possible via international hubs such as Istanbul. 

The travel advisory adds that damage to Russian refineries is also causing fuel shortages and restrictions, including in Moscow. "Furthermore, attacks on the public transport network, particularly rail services, cannot be ruled out," it said.