Two Welsh politicians have been reprimanded over taking a trip to Ukraine, after the UK Government had advised against all travel to the country.
Adam Price, the leader of Plaid Cymru and Senedd member, and Mick Antoniw, a Welsh Labour Senedd member and the Welsh Government's Counsel General joined what was described as a "UK delegation" for the four-day trip made up of trade union leaders, a journalist and the two politicians.
Both politicians previously defended their trip.
Read why Russia wants to go to war with Ukraine here
In the letter, Plaid's deputy leader Sian Gwenllian and Labour's Dawn Bowden, were told that there was "deep concern" from Minister of State for Asia and the Middle East Amanda Milling MP at their presence in the country.
She said the advice "applies equally to Members of Parliament and the Senedd".
UK Government advised against travel to the country, which stands on the brink of war as Russia invades, on February 11. Mr Price and Mr Antoniw made their trip public on February 19.
The letter asks their respective parties to contact the politicians and relay the information "as soon as possible".
It says the letter is to "undermine the seriousness of the situation" and says embassy staff have been withdrawn. "Any Russian military action in Ukraine would seriously affect the British Government's ability to provide consular assistance to any British people there. The situation on the ground is unpredictable and changing rapidly".
In a meeting of the Commons' Welsh Affairs committee on February 23, Welsh secretary Simon Hart said the letter was "stinging".
Robin Millar MP asked if their trip was helpful.
Mr Hart said the trip was a "distraction" and became "confusing" about what was a devolved matter and what wasn't. He said: "It starts blurring the lines between reserved and devolved competencies. And worst of all, in that particular instance ether's a real chance it poses a significant risk.
He said it "wasn't often" that the Foreign Office took such a step as to write to politicians. "That kind of thing where there is a breach of the established protocols it is deeply unhelpful".
Mr Antoniw wrote on Facebook: "With the Senedd in recess, I am currently in Ukraine in a personal capacity, to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine against Russian imperialism. I have paid for this trip out of my own pocket. Many of you will know about my Ukrainian background - I have family here, so this issue is very close to my heart. I'm here to meet with trade unions and minority groups to let them know that they have our solidarity.
"I firmly believe that as politicians we sometimes have to stand up and be counted, and be seen to be counted. That's why I am here. I and my fellow travellers are being very cautious, not taking any unnecessary risks, but what is important at this time is engaging with Ukrainian politicians and Ukrainian people saying 'look, we are with you, we are not abandoning you and you have our solidarity."
Mr Price responded on Twitter saying: "I see my visit here has caused quite a controversy. To clarify, I am here in a personal capacity, paid from my own pocket. I felt I had a choice - to either comment from afar behind a phone or laptop, or come here to connect & understand on a human, meaningful level.
"I am obviously not here to solve the conflict, but I am here to show solidarity in a time where real, meaningful connection with real people means far more than a tweet, a press release or just another soundbite from a politician at home in their comfort zone.
"It’s not going to be a good time to travel here for a long time and Senedd recess provided a window. If we want to see truly connect with the world, then we must reach out in meaningful ways, even if that may feel uncomfortable at times. Mewn Undod Mae Nerth. Adam."
A Plaid Cymru spokesperson said: “Adam Price travelled to Kyiv to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people and endeavour to get an accurate, first-hand picture of the reality on the ground. Intelligence suggested that the potential gravity of the situation became more severe on Monday and the delegation left Ukraine the following day.”
Labour have been contacted for comment.
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