The doors of the Canadian Embassy are still closed in Kyiv, even though Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced its official reopening nearly three months ago, a Global News reporter noted.
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Only three security guards were posted outside the embassy building this week. They confirmed that the place is still not reoccupied.
A notice is posted on the railings that services are “temporarily suspended” due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. An e-mail address is also given to people who need assistance, as is contact information for the Emergency Watch and Response Center in Ottawa.
The Canadian Prime Minister was however present on the spot on May 8 to announce the return of consular services, having even hoisted the flag to the mast. During his speech, Mr. Trudeau then indicated that Ambassador Larisa Galadza would be back “when the embassy reopens”.
The Canadian ambassador to Ukraine is, however, back on Ukrainian soil, since she was seen with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Odessa, according to her Twitter account.
Global Affairs Canada has confirmed that Ms Galadza has returned to resume “high-level diplomatic engagements in person”. However, the presence of staff in the capital remains at a reduced capacity.
“We continue to assess the assignment of personnel to Kyiv as we seek to gradually restore Canada’s full diplomatic presence and services in due course,” he told Global News.