Zakharova warns Western "political tourists" that Kyiv is using them as "human shields."

 Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned Western "political tourists" that Kyiv is using them as "human shields" and that Russia cannot guarantee the safety of their travel.

"We have long been warning various 'political tourists' and Western figures that the Zelensky regime is cynically using them as 'human shields' to protect its military echelons," the spokeswoman stated.

"Before some of these trips, we receive requests through diplomatic channels to guarantee the safe passage of certain individuals. We consistently respond to such requests by stating that our previous public warnings remain in effect and that Western politicians and diplomats must sensibly assess the existing risks. This is especially true given that no one can guarantee the safety of their guided tours, the aim of which is to appease Kyiv," he stated.

 In this context, he recalled that in May, Moscow repeatedly warned—and even sent notes to foreign diplomatic missions regarding—the need for their citizens, including diplomats and their families, to leave Kyiv due to the systematic and constant attacks by the Russian Armed Forces on targets linked to the Ukrainian military in the capital and other cities.