On the 23rd (local time), soldiers in Donetsk, Ukraine, conducted training by firing American-made Javelin anti-tank missiles. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] As military tensions between Russia and Ukraine reach a peak, the Japanese government has strongly urged its nationals staying in Ukraine, including embassy staff, to leave the country.
On the 24th (local time), according to Japan's Kyodo News Agency, a senior official from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated regarding the U.S. government's decision to evacuate families of embassy staff stationed in Ukraine, "The situation on the ground in Ukraine is rapidly changing," and added, "Japan will follow the same direction as (the United States)."
Armed soldiers are conducting a rehearsal for the 30th anniversary ceremony of the Armed Forces Day, which will be held the next day, in Kramatorsk city, Donetsk Province, eastern Ukraine. / Photo by Yonhap News
Another official said, "We will closely share information with the Group of Seven (G7) countries, including the United States," and "We are monitoring each country's response situation."
Japan raised its travel advisory for the entire territory of Ukraine to Level 3 out of 4, a "recommendation to suspend travel." At a regular press conference that day, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said, "We are closely cooperating with related countries including the United States and continue to monitor the situation," and added, "We will promptly take necessary measures."
The U.S. Department of State also issued a statement on the 23rd ordering the families of embassy staff in Ukraine to withdraw. Among the staff, non-essential personnel were allowed to voluntarily leave Ukraine. Additionally, all Americans in Ukraine were advised to leave the country immediately.
The British Foreign Office announced on the 24th that, as the threat from Russia intensifies, some embassy staff and their families will be recalled from Kyiv, Ukraine. Essential personnel at the British embassy will remain to continue important duties. The British government requested its nationals to refrain from traveling to Ukraine unless absolutely necessary.
A South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs official told reporters on the 25th, "We are holding meetings and checking readiness by connecting local missions and headquarters via video conference," and explained, "We are sharing relevant information with key allied countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, and communicating about possible cooperation measures."
Regarding plans to evacuate overseas nationals by land in case of emergency, the government said, "Neighboring countries such as Moldova, Slovakia, and Poland exist, and while we are not ruling out the possibility and are monitoring the situation, there is nothing specific to disclose at this stage."
The embassy in Ukraine is currently operating its own task force and has established an emergency contact network to focus on ensuring the safety of overseas nationals.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Choi Young-sam stated at a regular briefing that day, "Our embassy in Ukraine is currently operating normally."
Meanwhile, it is estimated that about 600 overseas nationals are currently staying in Ukraine.
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