Which countries have asked their nationals to leave Ukraine?

By Al Mayadeen Net
Source: Agencies
12 Feb 11:27
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Many countries have asked their nationals to leave Ukraine right away, citing security concerns.

The Netherlands has changed the location of its diplomatic mission from Kiev to Lviv

Russian diplomats and consulate employees have begun to leave Ukraine, informed sources have told Sputnik.

The source also added that according to information from Ukraine nationals, Russian diplomats and consulate employees have begun leaving for Russia, as evidenced by difficulties in setting appointments in the consulate and embassy.

He noted that Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, had hinted that such a scenario may take place during a press conference following his talks with British Foreign Minister Liz Truss.

Many other countries have also urged their citizens to leave Ukraine, citing security concerns.

United States

US President Joe Biden warned that "things may go wild rapidly" in Ukraine, advising American people to “evacuate immediately.”

“American citizens should leave, should leave now,” Biden said in an interview with NBC News. “We’re dealing with one of the largest armies in the world. This is a very different situation and things could go crazy quickly.”

Biden stressed that under no circumstances would he send US troops to Ukraine, even to rescue Americans in case of an alleged Russian invasion. “That’s a world war. When Americans and Russians start shooting one another, we’re in a very different world,” he said.

However, the United States already has 8,500 soldiers on heightened alert within the continent, but none of the new forces have been authorized to enter Ukraine, and all of the deployments are reportedly "temporary."

Britain

A spokesperson for the British Foreign Ministry said that the security of British nationals and their safety is their priority, which is why Britain has changed its travel advisory and told British citizens in Ukraine to leave immediately on commercial flights as long as they are available.

Britain announced that the most dangerous moment in the conflict between the West and Moscow seems imminent, as Russia is currently conducting military drills in Russia, Belarus and the Black Sea.

Norway

Norway has also asked its citizens to leave Ukraine right away because of the dangerous security situation, and called on them not to travel or reside in any region in Russia that lies less than 250 km away from the border with Ukraine.

Its Foreign Ministry also called on nationals not to travel to Ukraine, with the exception of its capital, Minsk.

Canada

The Canadian government urged all Canadians currently in the country to leave Monday as concerns about war with Russia escalate.

"Avoid all travel to Ukraine due to ongoing Russian threats and the risk of armed conflict," the advisory said. "If you are in Ukraine, you should leave while commercial means are available."

Holland

The Dutch government has also asked Dutch citizens in Ukraine to leave as soon as possible, citing the country's security concerns.

The Netherlands noted that it will move its diplomatic post from Ukraine's capital Kiev to Lviv in the west.

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called on Australian citizens living in Ukraine to leave the country as soon as possible, warning that the situation is becoming even more dangerous.

New Zealand

New Zealand's Foreign Ministry also asked all nationals to leave Ukraine, and said that New Zealand has no diplomatic representation in Ukraine, and so the government's ability to provide consular support for NZ citizens is limited.

The statement also said that the security situation in Ukraine can change in a short time, and NZ nationals must not rely on support in evacuating under these circumstances.

Japan

The Japanese Foreign Ministry called on all Japanese to leave Ukraine.

“There is an increasing possibility that the situation could rapidly deteriorate,” the ministry said in a statement, citing Russia's amassing of troops at the border.

An official from Japan's Foreign Ministry said there are about 150 Japanese citizens in Ukraine.