For now, France has not recommended its nationals to leave Ukraine, unlike the United Kingdom or Germany. However, in a message published this Sunday, the French ambassador to Ukraine, Etienne de Poncins, beefed up his recommendations.
The diplomat advises French people living in Ukraine to “prepare for all practical purposes a few supplies of water, food and warm clothes” as well as to have a full tank in their vehicle at all times. He recalls in passing that all French nationals living in the country must “have [leurs] up-to-date identity papers and register in the register”.
“Enhanced Vigilance”
“We now advise French visitors to postpone “all trips to Ukraine” (and no longer only “non-essential trips”). Border areas are formally discouraged”, wrote Etienne de Poncins on Sunday afternoon, calling on the French to “reinforced vigilance throughout the country”.
This weekend, the tension seemed to rise to a climax in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Many countries have decided to repatriate their non-essential diplomatic personnel. The United States has made alarming statements, pushing Ukraine and Russia to speak with one voice for the first time since the start of the conflict. Kiev and Moscow have denounced the “hysterical” attitude of the Americans, accusing them of multiplying alarmist announcements which “cause panic”.