Tensions in Ukraine: Canada is in turn withdrawing the families of diplomatic personnel from the country due to fears of an attack from Russia.
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The measure is aimed at young people under the age of 18 and the adults accompanying them. Ottawa’s decision comes the day after those of Great Britain, Germany and Australia. The United States also announced the same thing on Sunday.
Also, the Canadian government strongly advises against all non-essential travel to Ukraine due to the risk of war in this country.
Ottawa updated its travel advice on Monday evening, urging people to avoid traveling to Ukraine “due to the current threats from Russia and its military deployment in and around the country.”
“If you are in Ukraine, you should assess whether your presence is essential,” the federal government added.
Tens of thousands of Russian troops have been deployed in recent weeks along the Ukrainian border, as Russia and the United States become bogged down in negotiations over the fate of Ukraine. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also admitted on Monday that he was “extremely worried” at the idea of seeing a war breaking out in this former country of the Soviet Union.
“Russian military action in Ukraine could disrupt travel and services across the country. It could also have serious repercussions on the embassy’s ability to provide consular services and you should not be dependent on the Government of Canada to leave the country,” the government warned Monday.
Ottawa was already advising travelers against traveling to Crimea, a region of Ukraine annexed by Russia in 2014, although Canada and Western countries do not recognize Russian control over the peninsula. Travelers should also avoid the breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.