Russia's Foreign Ministry has issued a statement strongly advising its citizens to refrain from traveling to five Middle Eastern countries, noting that hostilities in the Middle East have affected Gulf states as well.

"Taking into account the partial opening of airspace in these countries for evacuation flights by Russian and foreign airlines to repatriate tourists stranded in transit hubs since February 28, we strongly advise against traveling to the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia for tourist purposes — until active hostilities cease and the situation with air travel and airports is fully normalized.

We again call on Russian citizens in the region to take enhanced personal safety measures, avoid potentially dangerous areas, follow the instructions of local authorities — including immediately going to shelters when missile threats arise — and maintain contact with tour operators and airlines. Monitor official statements from the Russian Foreign Ministry and Russian diplomatic missions in the respective countries," the Foreign Ministry statement reads.