Turkish Ambassador to Ukraine, Mustafa Levent Bilgen, issued a travel warning for Kyiv.

By Yusuf İnan | Wise News Press

KYIV, UKRAINE — Turkish Ambassador to Kyiv M. Levent Bilgen, who assumed his duties in October 2023, continues to lead Turkey's diplomatic mission amid the ongoing conflict, as the embassy issues a renewed travel and security warning for Turkish citizens.

Bilgen brings a wealth of international experience to his post, having served in critical roles across North America, the Middle East, and various international organizations. Meanwhile, in response to the latest developments in the region, the Turkish Embassy in Kyiv has strongly reiterated its advisory against non-essential travel to Ukraine, emphasizing the safety of its citizens.

Extensive diplomatic career and background

Before his appointment to Ukraine, Ambassador Bilgen served as the Ambassador to Abu Dhabi from 2014 to 2016. During this period, he simultaneously held positions as the Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and as a Board Member of the International Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism (HEDAYAH).

His extensive career in consular services includes serving as the Consul General in New York (2011-2014) and as the Founding Consul General in Toronto (2009-2011). Throughout his diplomatic journey, Bilgen has represented Turkey at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal in 2009 and at the United Nations Permanent Mission in New York from 2003 to 2007, along with various assignments in capitals such as Beijing, Tel Aviv, and Ottawa.

Advisory roles and educational background

During his tenures at the headquarters in Ankara, Ambassador Bilgen took on senior advisory and coordination roles for numerous public institutions and international diplomatic events. Notably, he provided high-level consultancy for the Third Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit, the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), the Ministry of National Defense, and the National Security Council. Earlier in his career, he worked in the Directorates General of Policy Planning and Overseas Promotion at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A father of two, Ambassador Bilgen graduated from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, with a degree in Business Administration. He subsequently completed his master's degree in International Transactions at the same institution.

Renewed security and travel warning for Ukraine

In light of the ongoing war that began on February 24, 2022, the Turkish Embassy in Kyiv issued a renewed public announcement on June 16, 2025. The statement reminded Turkish citizens of the critical need to avoid traveling to Ukraine unless absolutely necessary, citing the latest security developments in the country.

For citizens who are currently in Ukraine for essential reasons and require immediate support, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided the following emergency contact information:

• Kyiv Embassy Emergency Line: +380632114765 / embassy.kiev@mfa.gov.tr

• Odessa Consulate Emergency Lines: +380937110026, +380937110024 / consulate.odessa@mfa.gov.tr

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Call Center: +903122922929

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