25-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised Singaporeans to postpone all non-essential travel to Russia due to the “unstable security situation in southern Russia which may potentially spread to other parts of the country.”
The MFA highlighted the presence of an “anti-terrorist operation regime” in Moscow on Sunday, following the recent threat by mutinous Wagner mercenaries to storm the Russian capital.
In a significant development, the Kremlin announced that Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who spearheaded the rebellion, will be sent to Belarus following mediation by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
According to the Russian government, Prigozhin, the chief of the rebel Wagner mercenary force, will be sent to Belarus and will not face charges after halting the advance of his troops towards Moscow.
The conflict between Prigozhin and Russia’s military leadership escalated dramatically in the past day when his forces captured a crucial army headquarters in southern Russia on Saturday and then proceeded north to threaten the capital.
Given the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the MFA continues to advise Singaporeans to defer all travel to Ukraine as well.
In response to the escalating situation, the Singapore embassy in Moscow issued a cautionary notice to Singaporeans in Russia, urging them to stay indoors due to the “unstable” security conditions.
“In light of these developments, the Singapore Embassy advises all Singaporeans in Russia to remain indoors until the situation is clearer,” stated the Singapore embassy in Moscow.
The embassy also reiterated its previous travel advisory from October 25, 2022, advising Singaporeans to postpone travel to Russia’s Krasnodar Territory, as well as the regions of Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, and Rostov.
The MFA emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and closely monitoring local news for any updates. Singaporeans in Russia are advised to take necessary precautions for their personal safety and to promptly eRegister with the MFA if they haven’t done so already.
For consular assistance, Singaporeans in Russia can contact the Singapore embassy in Moscow during office hours at +7 499 241 37 02 or reach the embassy’s 24-hour emergency hotline at +7 906 009 00 69.
Additionally, the MFA’s 24-hour duty office can be reached at +65 6379 8800/6379 8855 for further assistance.
