The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is continuing to monitor the situation in Ukraine, but it has no plans to withdraw staff from the Embassy of Ireland in Kyiv at this time.
It also said it is in “ongoing direct contact” with Irish families scheduled to travel to Ukraine for surrogacy purposes and will continue to provide them with advice and assistance.
In a statement last night, the department said it is also “in ongoing contact at senior level with EU partners, as well as the UK and the US, regarding the political and security situation in Ukraine.
“Our embassy in Kyiv is in constant coordination with partners on the ground in respect of consular and security contingency planning and that coordination will continue through the weekend.
“We are aware of the decision today by the US and UK to change their travel advice to their citizens currently in Ukraine and to advise them to leave.”
The department continued: “Ireland, along with other EU member states, continues to advise against all non-essential travel to Ukraine and is asking all citizens in Ukraine to ensure that they are registered with our Embassy in Kyiv.
“Travel advice will be kept under constant review, in consultation with EU partners.
“A small number of Embassies in Kyiv, including the UK, US, Canada, have drawn down non-essential personnel and family members of diplomatic staff only. Essential diplomatic and consular staff remain.
“There are no plans to withdraw staff from the Embassy of Ireland in Kyiv at this time.”
The statement concluded: “We continue to call on Russia to de-escalate, abide by international law and engage constructively in dialogue.
“Recent high-level discussions are welcome. These now need to translate into immediate, tangible actions and a commitment to dialogue.”
Western leaders have vowed to take “swift and deep sanctions” against Moscow should Russia march on Ukraine, as the United States warned that a Russian invasion could be just days away.
News source: RTE