While the concentration of Russian forces on the Ukrainian border continues, some Western countries, including the United States, have decided to partially evacuate the diplomatic staff and their families from Kiev, and even recommend that their citizens leave the country soon.
Officials in Kiev expressed disappointment with this, blaming it on the consequences of the hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan and the fear of sights similar to those seen in the capital Kabul, in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Oleg Nikolenko, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, commented on the decision, saying it was an "act of excessive caution".
Dozens of Russian tanks near the Ukrainian border
"There have been no drastic changes in the security situation in recent times," Nikolenko added.
"The threat of new waves of Russian aggression has remained in place since 2014, while the military crystallization near the state border began as early as last April."
Ukrainian officials involved in talks with Western embassies, who spoke anonymously, explained that the hasty decisions to evacuate Kiev are made for many reasons, but mainly due to the fall of Kabul in August 2021. Such a shock now makes many Western governments extremely sensitive to the situation in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials. Such have a negative impact on public sentiment in Ukraine.
"It would be a good idea to put an end to all the hysteria," they said.
These things came, as mentioned, following the decision of the US State Department to allow government employees to leave Kiev, and command their families to do so.
The U.S. embassy has again issued a travel warning for all its citizens to Ukraine, due to "increased threats of significant Russian military action," noting that despite the evacuation, it will continue with its work routine.
Residents of Kiev in a patriotic demonstration, Photo: IPI
"We stress that Russia has brought us to the current point," the embassy said.
The decision comes when, according to Western and Ukrainian intelligence, more than 100,000 Russian troops are currently circulating in Ukraine, and despite intense US-NATO diplomatic efforts, there is a fear of a full Russian invasion.
The American decision immediately provoked a wave of statements from many other missions.
The United Kingdom also said some of its staff were about to leave Kiev, and also advised British citizens staying there to shorten their presence in Ukraine, in parallel with the recommendation to leave the country.
Australia has also begun to attract staff families.
Germany, the Czech Republic, France and other countries have announced that they are considering their steps.
In contrast, other countries have made it clear that they intend to stay in the capital, rather than succumb to Russian aggression.
Estonia's ambassador to Ukraine, Kaimo Kwask, said a few days ago that the city of Kiev remained calm, and that there was no panic in the streets.
"Ukraine should not let its people be afraid, that is the goal of Moscow," he explained.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Sjajarto also said Hungary had no intention of expelling its people from Kiev.
Shijarto called on all parties to refrain from taking steps that could escalate tensions in the region.
"No reason to leave"
The EU delegation to Ukraine also chose to stay.
"We do not plan to do the same thing the United States has done," European Commission Vice-President Joseph Burrell said yesterday. "We see no specific reason to do so.
"While the talks (with Russia) continue, I do not think we have any reason to leave Ukraine."
Journalist Ilya Ponomarenko,
The West is gaining strength
In parallel with the deployment of diplomatic staffs, the US and the West are signaling to Russia that an invasion of Ukraine will be met by force. Yesterday it was announced that President Joe Biden is considering deploying thousands of American troops, as well as warships and aircraft, .
According to the report, senior Pentagon officials offered Biden several options, under which US military assets would be placed much closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Among the options: sending 1,000 to 5,000 troops to Eastern European countries, with the potential to increase the number tenfold if the situation worsens.
Biden is expected to rule on the issue as early as this week, US administration officials told the New York Times.
The Pentagon declined to comment for this report.
At the same time, they said in Washington that "there are two ways in which Russia can choose: dialogue - or escalation and massive consequences."
Russia blames NATO
"We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect the Allies, including by strengthening the eastern part of the Alliance," NATO said. Said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Russia has argued that these moves by the US and NATO are only increasing tensions in the region, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: ".
Damien Petter and Neta Bar participated in the preparation of the article
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