The Ukrainian government on Wednesday urged its citizens who are in Russia to leave that country “immediately” in the face of the intensification of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
“In connection with the intensification of Russian aggression against Ukraine (…), the Foreign Ministry recommends that Ukrainian citizens refrain from traveling to the Russian Federation and those who are in this country to leave its territory immediately“Ukrainian diplomacy said in a statement.
Kiev considers that in the current circumstance of military tensions with Russia, its ability to provide consular assistance in that country to the Ukrainians may be limited.
(Also read: Satellite images show deployment of Russian troops near Ukraine)
Ignoring these recommendations will complicate the adequate protection of Ukrainian citizens in the Russian Federation
“We emphasize that ignoring these recommendations will significantly complicate the proper protection of Ukrainian citizens in the Russian Federation.“, Foreigners insisted in their travel advisory.
The tensions between Moscow and Kiev are increasing every day and the Russian recognition of the self-proclaimed pro-Russian separatist republics of Lugansk and Donetsk and the possible sending of Russian troops to these territories has led the Ukrainian authorities to consider the possibility of breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia.
(You can read: Russia and Ukraine: the reasons why there is still no talk of an invasion)
Putin says he is ready for a democratic solution
For his part, the Russian president, Vladimir Putin assured this Wednesday that he is willing to seek “diplomatic solutions” for the current crisis with Ukraine and the Westalthough he insisted that the interests and security of his country are not negotiable.
“Our country is always open to a direct and honest dialogue to find diplomatic solutions to the most complex problems. However, the interests and security of our citizens are non-negotiable for usPutin declared in a televised speech on Defender of the Fatherland Day.
(You may be interested: After Russia’s move in Donbas, what’s next in the Ukraine crisis?)
Putin spoke after the upper house of parliament, the Federal Council, unanimously approved sending Russian “peacekeepers” to two breakaway Ukrainian regions that Moscow now recognizes as independent.
In the video message, Putin said he was confident that the Russian military would defend the country’s national interests.
“We will continue to develop advanced defense systems, including hypersonic-type and based on new physical principles, and expand the use of advanced digital technologies and artificial intelligence,” he added.
“Those are really the weapons of the future, significantly increasing the combat potential of our armed forces,” he said.
Western governments have warned in recent weeks that Putin is preparing an invasion of Ukraine.
On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden announced new sanctions against Russia for “starting” an invasion of Ukrainealthough he said that there is time to avoid a war.
AFP and EFE
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