The Gist With the Russian-Ukrainian conflict escalating and with no prospect of peace or talks, the Quai d’Orsay is urging all French nationals in Belarus to leave the territory immediately.
As Russia intensifies its attacks in Ukraine, the Quai d’Orsay urges all French to leave Belarusian territory as a matter of urgency. A call that mirrors the call launched by Washington asking its nationals to leave Russia.
“In connection with Russia’s armed offensive against Ukraine and the closure of airspace between Belarus and the member states of the European Union, any travel to Belarus remains formally inadvisable,” the Foreign Ministry’s website says. Before continuing: “The French in Belarus are reminded that they are being asked to leave the country immediately.”
Accelerate the offensive
The ministry therefore advises leaving the country “on the road” via the border crossings with Lithuania, Poland or Latvia. If necessary, passengers arriving by plane must apply for an exit visa from the services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus”.
According to French diplomacy, the borders with Lithuania and Latvia remain open. “The only border crossing open to travelers heading to Poland has been Brest-Terespol since February 13,” the Quai d’Orsay said.
The Kremlin is therefore trying to speed up its offensive before the arrival of the tanks promised by the westerners. And in his new battle plans, Vladimir Putin wants to draw Minsk into this escalation, knowing that Belarus is already serving as a base for Russian forces.