Russia to evacuate its diplomats from Ukraine amid tensions

Russia’s foreign ministry announced on Tuesday that it would be evacuating its diplomatic staff from Ukraine for ‘safety’ concerns.

“To protect the lives and safety (of diplomats), the Russian leadership decided to evacuate the personnel of Russian foreign missions in Ukraine, which will be implemented in the near future,” the ministry said in a statement. 

The development came a day after the Russian upper house voted unanimously, allowing President Vladimir Putin to send army abroad, a move that could trigger an invasion in Ukraine.

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“Our first priority is to take care of Russian diplomats and employees of the Embassy and Consulates General,” the foreign ministry’s statement said, according to Reuters. 

Citing threats and ‘repeated attacks’ on its embassy and diplomats, the statement added, “Ukraine has plunged deeper into chaos.” 

Also Read: Putin’s actions are beginning of Russian’s invasion of Ukraine: Biden

Several other countries, including the US, will be relocating their embassy operations in Ukraine to Poland. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement, “The fact that we are taking prudent precautions for the sake of the safety of U.S. government personnel and U.S. citizens, as we do regularly worldwide, in no way undermines our support for, or our commitment to, Ukraine.”

Also Read: What sanctions did Biden announce on Russia amid Ukraine crisis?

Moscow on Monday had recognised seperatist regions in eastern Ukraine, Donetsk and Luhansk (or collectively known as Donbas), as independent entities and deployed troops for ‘peacekeeping’. Russia also announced diplomatic ties with the rebel-led areas. 

In retaliation, US President Joe Biden announced ‘the first tranche of sanctions to impose costs on Russia in response to their actions’ in Ukraine. In an address from the White House, the Democrat described Russia President Vladimir Putin’s moves as the beginning of an invasion. He promised that more sanctions would be coming if Putin proceeds further.