British nationals have been urged to consider leaving Russia in the wake of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
'If your presence in Russia is not essential, we strongly advise that you consider leaving by remaining commercial routes,' the Foreign Office said in a statement on Saturday.
Travellers or citizens currently in Russia were advised any direct flights back to the UK would be complicated by the fact Moscow banned UK airlines from flying in or out of the country on Friday, February 25.
British nationals have been urged to consider leaving Russia in the wake of Vladimir Putin 's invasion of Ukraine. Pictured: A British Airways aircraft waits on the tarmac in Moscow's Domodedovo airport
As flight corridors over mainland Europe remained as busy as ever, the skies over Ukraine, Belarus and Russia were notably quiet or empty altogether on Saturday March 5
Those aiming to leave Russia are instead advised to book a connecting flight through the Middle East or Turkey to then travel back to the UK.
On Monday, the British government advised its citizens against all travel to Russia due to a lack of available flight options and increased economic volatility.
The statement read: 'The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to the whole of Russia due to the lack of available flight options to return to the UK, and the increased volatility in the Russian economy.'
It comes as the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency announced all foreign-bound flights were to be grounded on Saturday.
As Russia slipped further into global isolation, it was announced that all foreign-made aircraft were to cease flights operating abroad effective from Sunday.
As Russia slipped further into global isolation, it was announced that all foreign-made aircraft were to cease flights operating abroad effective from Sunday
'If your presence in Russia is not essential, we strongly advise that you consider leaving by remaining commercial routes,' the Foreign Office said in a statement on Saturday
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It is unclear how many British expats currently reside in Russia, with estimates ranging from anywhere between around 6,400 to more than 22,000.
The news comes in the wake of the Department of Transport announcing it had barred Russian commercial and civilian aircraft from the UK skies following the invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, February 24.
The DfT issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing its ban would affect all aircraft 'owned, chartered or operated by a person connected with Russia'.
This encompasses commercial aircraft, such as those operated by Russian flag carrier Aeroflot - but also private planes used by oligarchs.
The Kremlin responded just a day later by banningUK flights to and over Russia in retaliation to a British ban on Aeroflot.
Russia's aviation authority said: 'A restriction was introduced on the use of Russian airspace for flights of aircrafts owned, leased or operated by an organisation linked to or registered in the UK.'
Russian owned aircraft were banned from UK airspace from midnight until May 23, the Civil Aviation Authority has announced. Pictured: An Aeroflot plane pictured at Kazan International Airport
The Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and MailOnline UKRAINE REFUGEE APPEAL
Readers of Mail Newspapers and MailOnline have always shown immense generosity at times of crisis.
Calling upon that human spirit, we are now launching an appeal to raise money for refugees from Ukraine.
For, surely, no one can fail to be moved by the heartbreaking images and stories of families – mostly women, children, the infirm and elderly – fleeing from Russia's invading armed forces.
As this tally of misery increases over the coming days and months, these innocent victims of a tyrant will require accommodation, schools and medical support.
All donations to the Mail Ukraine Appeal will be distributed to charities and aid organisations providing such essential services.
In the name of charity and compassion, we urge all our readers to give swiftly and generously.
TO MAKE A DONATION ONLINE
Donate at www.mailforcecharity.co.uk/donate
To add Gift Aid to a donation – even one already made – complete an online form found here: mymail.co.uk/ukraine
Via bank transfer, please use these details:
Account name:Mail Force Charity
Account number:48867365
Sort code:60-00-01
TO MAKE A DONATION VIA CHEQUE
Make your cheque payable to 'Mail Force' and post it to: Mail Newspapers Ukraine Appeal, GFM, 42 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex CO2 8JY
TO MAKE A DONATION FROM THE US
US readers can donate to the appeal via a bank transfer to Associated Newspapers or by sending checks to dailymail.com HQ at 51 Astor Place (9th floor), New York, NY 10003
