The Canadian government has moved to pull out the remaining non-essential staff from the Canadian embassy in Ukraine and their families.
xjmtzywGlobal Affairs Canada announced the decision on Sunday, saying that their highest priority is the safety and security of Canadian citizens.
The embassy remains open and officials are able to provide consular support, but the government has already suggested any Canadians in the country consider whether their presence remains necessary.
Other countries have also been withdrawing embassy and diplomatic staff from Ukraine over heightened concerns of a Russian invasion.
“As announced earlier this week, Canada will be reinforcing the team at the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, with officials with expertise in areas such as security sector reform, conflict management, democratic reform, consular services and diplomacy,” Global Affairs Canada said in a statement.
“Together, they will increase our diplomatic capacity and allow us to continue to assess and respond to the evolving situation in support of Ukraine.”
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The Canadian embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine is seen on Jan. 25, 2022. The Canadian government has ordered family members of diplomatic staff in Ukraine to leave the country, though embassy staff will remain in place. (Omar Sachedina/CTV News)
