Western embassies start removing personnel from Ukraine

The U.S., UK, and German embassies have begun sending
families of staff back to their respective countries. The U.S. and UK
authorized on Jan. 24 the departure of non-essential staff as well. Emails sent
to the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit of the U.S. embassy receive
automated replies recommending that “U.S. citizens in Ukraine should consider
departing now using commercial or other privately available transportation
options.” Those staying should fill out a form with information to facilitate
communications with the embassy. 

Germany has begun to facilitate the departure of
family members from its embassy and organizations such as the Goethe Institute
who wish to leave, dw.com reported on Jan. 24.

However, entities such as the EU Mission to Ukraine
and Estonian embassy have chosen to not follow suit at this time,
kyivindependent.com reported on Jan. 24. 

James Hydzik: The
embassies could be applying an abundance of caution after the debacle of a
departure in Afghanistan in 2021. However, few analysts are calling this an act
of hysteria. The markets have been reacting to the overall situation for over a
week, and President Zelensky’s attempts to calm people with talk about planning
summer holidays have largely backfired, so the effect of the departures on
sentiment is minimal.