Moscow has recalled some of its diplomatic staff, saying it is concerned about “provocative actions”. (File)
Paris:
Fearing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many countries are urging their citizens there to leave and cut back on their diplomatic staff.
– The call to leave Ukraine –
Among the countries that have urged their citizens to leave Ukraine are the United States, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Australia, and Japan. Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
– Travel is not recommended –
France has advised against traveling to the northern and eastern border regions of Ukraine, but has not asked its citizens to leave the country.
Romania, which borders Ukraine, has specifically advised its citizens to avoid traveling to the country and to “reassess the need to stay” if already there.
– Cut down on diplomatic presence –
Moscow has recalled some of its diplomatic staff, saying it is concerned about “provocative actions”.
The United States has ordered the removal of most of its diplomatic staff in Kyiv, saying a Russian attack could begin “any day”. Washington will maintain a consular presence in the western city of Lviv.
Canada temporarily closed its embassy in Kyiv, moving diplomatic activities to Lviv, as well as Australia.
European Union agencies recommend that non-essential diplomatic staff in Kyiv leave the country and move from abroad.
Romania has withdrawn non-essential staff from its embassy in Kyiv, and Israel has evacuated the families of diplomats and embassy staff.
– Flights are suspended –
Dutch airline KLM announced on Saturday that it will suspend flights to Ukraine until further notice.
But Ukraine’s infrastructure ministry on Sunday said the country would keep its airspace open despite the possibility of Russian aggression.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from an aggregated feed.)
