Yesterday, 23 January, the U.S. Department of State “ordered the departure” of family members of U.S. Embassy Kyiv U.S. Embassy personnel due to the “continued threat of Russian military action. Concurrent with the order to depart, the Department authorized the voluntary departure of “direct hire employees.” The Department advised all U.S. citizens to consider departing now using commercial or other privately available transportation options.
The travel advisory makes clear that the U.S. Embassy/Department of State will be severely limited in their ability to provide consular services to include assisting U.S. citizens to depart Ukraine should Russia engage in military action anywhere in Ukraine.
U.S. citizens are urged to register with the Department using their online “assistance request form” so that the Department and Embassy may better communicate with you, especially should you choose to remain in Ukraine.
As of 23 January, the United States carries Ukraine as a Level 4 risk advisory level – Do Not Travel.
Similarly, the government of the U.K has authorized the withdrawal of “some Embassy statff and dependents … in response to the growing threat from Russia.” The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office‘s advisory continues, “The British Embassy remains open and will continue to carry out essential work.”
While the Australia Government advises their citizens, “do not travel to Ukraine due to the risk of armed conflict.” Their advisory continues with the admonishment that should you be in Ukraine at this time “you should leave now by commercial means if it is safe to do so.” They too have set up a registration portal for Australian citizens in Ukraine.
Securely Travel Advice
If you are in the Ukraine at this time, you should leave.
Should you choose to stay, you should share with your family members outside of the Ukraine copies of all important documents, to include your passport data page, will, your Red Folder (or equivalent) and your exit or shelter plans should Russia begin military action and communications is disrupted.
In addition, ensure you have ample supply of all necessary medication for a period of one month, food supplies and water in your possession. You should prepare to be very much on your own for an indeterminate period of time. Government advisories to leave countries are not given lightly, their ability to provide to you consular services will be limited. Their ordered departure of their employee dependent families is a very visible warning flag to you.
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