Brand manager Andrea Godfrey, who has spent time living in both countries and is the operator’s Russia and Ukraine specialist, said she was "truly saddened" by the events that have unfolded in recent weeks, culminating in a Russian incursion into Ukraine on Thursday (24 February).

Godfrey said in light of escalating tensions between Russia and western Europe and the “shock” of Thursday morning’s developments, Regent’s thoughts were with the operator’s "many friends and partners in both destinations". "Needless to say, we are following these events extremely closely and are in touch with many friends on the ground in Kyiv and beyond," said Godfrey.

Ukraine has closed its airspace, and British transport secretary Grant Shapps has urged airlines not to overfly the country as skirmishing continues in many regions. Boris Johnson will outline a package of measures against Russia in an address to parliament on Thursday afternoon. "This hideous and barbaric venture by Vladimir Putin must end in failure," he said.

Several operators offering travel in the region, including Riviera Travel and Balkan Holidays, have told TTG they are monitoring the situation closely. Wizz Air has ceased operations in Ukraine, while few commercial flights are currently operating in Ukrainian airspace.

Carnival Corporation-owned P&O Cruises and Cunard tweeted: "In light of the current situation evolving in Ukraine, we will continue to monitor very closely and will amend itineraries as necessary following guidance. The safety and wellbeing of guests and crew is of the highest priority and we will advise guests of any changes."

Godfrey continued: "[Working for] one of the UK’s leading specialist tour operators to Russia and Ukraine, and having spent years living in both countries, I am truly saddened by the events unfolding."

She said that while there was "great uncertainty" as to how events will unfold over the coming days, weeks and months, Regent’s immediate priority was to contact all clients booked on trips to Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Moldova that are due to depart up to 31 May to discuss their options.

These will include cancellation and refund, rescheduling to a later date, or a new booking to a different destination within the Regent portfolio. "Thankfully, we do not have any clients currently in any of these destinations," Godfrey confirmed.

She added: "Clients departing after 1 June 2022 are being asked to bear with us as we strive to service those clients departing imminently as quickly as possible.  We are currently handling a heavy volume of calls and emails from concerned clients.”