Vietnam advises citizens in Ukraine to be ready for evacuation

The Vietnamese Embassy in Ukraine has worked with local authorities to prepare to support citizens and businesses, as well as protecting their assets as conflicts in the country are getting more complex, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said at a press meet on Thursday.

Vietnam has requested its citizens in Ukraine to “frequently maintain contact with their loved ones and the embassy, prepare plans to protect themselves and their families, including evacuating from major cities, away from dangerous areas,” Hang said.

For those who are outside Ukraine at the moment, Hang said they should not come to the country unless in “truly necessary” situations. There are around 500 Vietnamese left in Ukraine, and no casualty has been reported, she said.

Since earlier this month, Russia has ordered for more strikes into Ukraine’s military headquarters, energy and armament infrastructures. The attacks have damaged 30% of Ukraine’s energy facilities.

Hang has called for relevant parties in the Russia-Ukraine conflicts to resume dialogues and resolve issues through peaceful methods in accordance with international law, especially the principle of respecting countries’ independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We also hope that the lives and assets of people in Ukraine, including Vietnamese citizens, are guaranteed,” she added.

Vietnam is willing to contribute to the process of promoting dialogues and looking for solutions to stabilize the situation, for peace and stability of the region and the world, Hang said.