Moscow has recalled some of its diplomatic staff saying it fears “provocation”. (file)
Paris:
Fearing an invasion of Ukraine by Russia, many countries are urging their citizens to leave and withdrawing their diplomatic staff.
– Call to leave Ukraine –
Countries that have called on their citizens to leave Ukraine are the United States, Germany, Italy, Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Australia, Japan, Israel . Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
– Travel discouraged –
France advised against travel to the border areas of northern and eastern Ukraine, but asked its citizens not to leave the country.
Romania, which borders Ukraine, has strongly recommended its citizens to avoid travel to the country and to “re-evaluate the need to stay” beforehand.
– Cut down on diplomatic presence –
Moscow has recalled some of its diplomatic staff saying it fears “provocation”.
The United States ordered most of its diplomatic staff in Kiev to depart, saying a Russian offensive could begin “any day now”. Washington will maintain a consular presence in the western city of Lviv.
Canada is temporarily closing its embassy in Kiev, moving diplomatic operations to Lviv, as is Australia.
EU bodies recommend non-essential diplomatic personnel in Kiev leave the country and telecommute from abroad.
Romania has withdrawn non-essential personnel from its embassy in Kiev, and Israel has evacuated the families of embassy diplomats and staff.
– flights suspended –
Dutch airline KLM announced on Saturday that it was suspending its flights to Ukraine until further notice.
But Ukraine’s infrastructure ministry said on Sunday that the country would leave its airspace open despite the possibility of a Russian attack.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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