Russia’s ongoing full-scale military aggression against Ukraine poses real threats to people’s lives and safety, making it impossible to guarantee the safety of foreign citizens on Ukrainian territory.
In light of this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine urges Hasidic pilgrims to refrain from this year’s pilgrimage to Uman as part of the Rosh Hashanah celebrations.
If you decide to visit Uman despite these warnings, please be aware that a legal regime of martial law is in effect in Ukraine, which entails a number of additional regulations, including restrictions on freedom of movement, the imposition of a curfew, increased patrols, a ban on mass events and gatherings, as well as the use of coercive measures against individuals who fail to comply with the established restrictions.
Other circumstances that may complicate pilgrims’ stay in Ukraine and that should be taken into account when planning trips:
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- a lack of sufficient civil defense shelters to accommodate pilgrims in areas of mass gathering in the city of Uman;
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- overcrowding of land transportation links with Ukraine and possible significant delays in rail traffic due to heavy shelling of transportation infrastructure;
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- a lack of sufficient medical personnel and medical facilities in Uman to provide medical care for pilgrims;
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- the possibility of introducing additional regulations regarding the entry (online registration) and stay of Hasidic pilgrims in Ukraine.