The Government of Canada has moved to withdraw the remaining non-essential staff from the Canadian embassy in Ukraine and their families.
Global Affairs Canada announced the decision on Sunday, saying its highest priority is the safety and security of Canadian citizens.
Embassies remain open and officials can provide consular assistance, but the government has asked any Canadians in the country to consider whether their presence is still necessary.
Other countries have also withdrawn their embassies and diplomatic staff from Ukraine due to fears of a Russian invasion.
“As announced earlier this week, Canada will strengthen the team at the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, with officials with expertise in areas such as security reform, conflict management, democratic reform, consular services and diplomacy,” Global Affairs Canada said in a statement.
“Together, they will enhance our diplomatic capacity and allow us to continue to assess and respond to the evolving situation in favor of Ukraine.”
