Ukraine: Russia orders evacuation of all diplomatic staff Feb. 22

Event

Russia's Foreign Ministry announced on Feb. 22 that it would be evacuating all Russian diplomatic personnel from Ukraine. Officials in Moscow gave no specific time frame for the move, stating only that it would be completed as soon as possible. The ministry has as yet released no information as to where Russian nationals remaining in Ukraine may be able to obtain emergency consular services if needed.

Context

The Foreign Ministry in Moscow specifically cited security concerns as the reason for its decision to evacuate the diplomatic missions, pointing to repeated attacks against Russia's embassy in Kyiv, as well as its consulates general in Odesa, Lviv, and Kharkiv since 2014. Nevertheless, the move is clearly associated with the potential for Russian diplomats in Ukraine to be targeted following the Kremlin's Feb. 21 official recognition of the self-declared Luhansk People's Republic and Donetsk People's Republic as independent states and the deployment of Russian military units to the two separatist regions. While a Feb. 22 demonstration in front of the Russian Embassy by Ukrainian activists to condemn Moscow's recent actions remained peaceful, incidents of violence against ethnic Russians or Russian citizens in the country cannot be ruled out in the future, particularly in the event that Russian troops push further into Ukrainian territory.

Advice

Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure that contingency plans are reviewed and regularly updated. Maintain flexible itineraries; monitor local media for updates on the situation and be prepared to change travel plans at short notice in response to developments.

Remain polite and non-confrontational if questioned by security forces. Check trusted local sources for updated information on potential travel disruptions. Be discreet when discussing the situation, including on social media.