Non-essential Canadians advised to leave Ukraine amid growing tensions with Russia
Global News
The new language from Global Affairs Canada was added to an existing advisory to avoid non-essential travel to the country that has been in place since last week.
Canadians in Ukraine should “evaluate if (their) presence is essential” as tensions with Russia continue to rise, according to an updated travel advisory issued Monday evening.
The new language from Global Affairs Canada was added to an existing advisory to avoid non-essential travel to the country that has been in place since last week. It was also shared by Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly on social media.
Canada’s warning comes amid growing concerns that Russia is planning a military invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow has denied.
On Monday, the United Kingdom began pulling diplomatic staff from Ukraine, a day after the United States ordered the families of their own embassy workers to leave the country. The U.S. warned Sunday that Russian military action “could come at any time.”
Canada has yet to issue a similar directive for either its diplomatic staff or their families. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday said their safety is “paramount” and that his government has “many contingency plans” in place for whatever actions Russia takes.
“We will continue to be there for Ukraine and ensure the safety of Canadians and Ukrainians,” Trudeau told reporters.
A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada did not say whether an evacuation of diplomats’ families is being considered, or whether any aspect of the staffing levels at the embassy will change.
“Global Affairs Canada takes the safety and security of our personnel, their families, and our missions overseas very seriously,” spokesperson Jason Kung said in an email.