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12th Feb 2022

Travel advice for Irish citizens in Ukraine to be kept under “constant review”, says DFA

Stephen Porzio

The UK and US have urged their citizens in Ukraine to leave immediately amid ongoing tensions with Russia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has said travel advice for Irish citizens in Ukraine is to be kept under “constant review”.

This comes as tension continues to rise between Russia and the West regarding Ukraine.

While Russia has repeatedly said it will not invade its neighbour, it has gathered over 100,000 of its troops along the Ukraine border.

This has provoked fears that a Russian invasion of Ukraine may be imminent.

Both the United Kingdom and the United States have urged their citizens currently in the former Soviet state to leave immediately.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland issued a statement on Friday (11 February) on the current political and security situation in Ukraine.

It said it’s in ongoing contact at senior level with EU partners, as well as the UK and the US, regarding the matter.

“Our Embassy in Kyiv is in constant coordination with partners on the ground in respect of consular and security contingency planning and that coordination will continue through the weekend,” the DFA stated.

It added that it was aware of the changes to the US and UK travel advice and that Ireland continues to advise against all non-essential travel to Ukraine.

The DFA also urged all Irish citizens in Ukraine to ensure they are registered with the Irish Embassy in Kyiv.

“Travel advice will be kept under constant review, in consultation with EU partners,” it said.

“A small number of Embassies in Kyiv, including the UK, US, Canada, have drawn down non-essential personnel and family members of diplomatic staff only. Essential diplomatic and consular staff remain.

“There are no plans to withdraw staff from the Embassy of Ireland in Kyiv at this time.

“The Department is in ongoing direct contact with Irish families scheduled to travel to Ukraine for surrogacy purposes and will continue to provide advice and assistance.

“We continue to call on Russia to de-escalate, abide by international law and engage constructively in dialogue.

“Recent high-level discussions are welcome. These now need to translate into immediate, tangible actions and a commitment to dialogue.”

Main image via Julien Behal Photography / RollingNews.ie

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