Canada temporarily suspends operations at embassy and consulate in Ukraine; consular services available

Melanie Joly Photo: Twitter

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly on Thursday announced that as the situation in Ukraine has rapidly deteriorated and poses serious challenges, Canada is temporarily suspending operations at both its embassy and its consulate in Ukraine. Canadian personnel are now safely in Poland.

Operations at the embassy and consulate will be resumed as soon as the security situation in Ukraine allows Canada to ensure the adequate delivery of services.

Joly said: “Consular services remain available to Canadians in Ukraine. Should there be a surge in demand for consular assistance, we are prepared. Our staff in Ottawa and major European cities are on standby to support as needed.

“The safety and security of all Canadians is our highest priority. Canadians should continue to avoid all travel to Ukraine. We urge those currently in Ukraine to shelter in place unless it is safe for them to leave the country.”

Canadians in need of consular assistance should contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa by:

For the latest information on this situation, Canadians should continue to check the Government of Canada’s Travel advice and advisories – Ukraine and sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.