Australians currently living in Ukraine have been urged to evacuate immediately, as Russian military actions against Ukraine increase.
Monday night, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised that travelers should not travel.
According to a statement, ‘Australians living in Ukraine should flee now using commercial transport, given that flights availability may change or be temporarily suspended,’ the organization stated.
Australians living in Ukraine should leave as soon as possible due to Russian military actions against them (pictured: a convoy full of Russian vehicles, January 18).
The West claims that Russia is building up troops in preparation to a war against Ukraine. (pictured, an illustration of a map showing where US and Russian troops are located)
“Australians who choose to stay in Ukraine must review their security plan, prepare to shelter in place if necessary, and register with DFAT.
Tensions between Ukraine and the West have been growing for many months following the Kremlin’s massing of about 100,000 soldiers near Ukraine’s borders. The West believes this is preparation for a conflict to stop Ukraine from joining NATO.
The Kremlin repeatedly denies any plans to invade.
As family members of Australian diplomats are about to leave Kyiv, DFAT offers advice. This follows similar actions by the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Australian security officers are also in negotiations to assist Ukraine with cyber defenses.
According to the Herald, Marise Perayne, foreign affairs minister, asked Tobias Feakin to be the leader of talks regarding the best ways to stop attacks on critical system.
Tensions within Ukraine are increasing since March, when the Kremlin positioned about 100,000 troops close to Ukraine’s borders. (pictured: pedestrians at Donetsk in Ukraine, January 24).