OTTAWA, Canada – Mélanie Joly, minister of foreign affairs, on Friday issued the following statement:
“As we continue to work closely with our partners and monitor the situation, I urge all Canadians in Ukraine to make the necessary arrangements to leave the country now.
“Since February 1, we have been urging Canadians to avoid all travel to Ukraine because of the ongoing Russian threats and the risk of armed conflict. We have also been asking Canadians already in Ukraine to leave while commercial means are still available. Our highest priority remains the safety and security of Canadians.
“Our diplomatic and consular staff remain on the ground and stand ready to provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens as required. However, our ability to do so could become severely limited.
“Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance can contact the embassy by email at KYIV-Consular@international.gc.ca. At any time, Canadians can also contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by phone at 1 613 996 8885, by email at sos@international.gc.ca or by SMS at 1 613 686 3658.
“I also urge all Canadians in Ukraine to sign up with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service, so that we can directly notify them of changes to the situation and share crucial information on how we can help them.
“Canadians should also frequently check the Travel Advice and Advisories for Ukraine for up-to-date information and advice.”