Western embassies prepare evacuation plans from Kyiv as Russian attacks intensify
Embassies in Kyiv are developing evacuation plans amid growing threats (illustrative photo: RBC-Ukraine collage)
Western embassies are preparing contingency plans to relocate their missions from Kyiv to Lviv or eastern Poland. The relocation would take place if Russia begins targeted attacks on foreign diplomatic missions, The Guardian reports.
Western diplomats publicly emphasize that they are staying in Kyiv. Leaving would be a propaganda victory for Moscow and create the false impression that Ukraine's partners are abandoning the country.
Despite the official position, diplomats privately confirm that contingency plans are being prepared in case the situation escalates.
The scenarios include relocating embassies to Lviv or temporarily moving to border areas in eastern Poland.
The main reason for such measures could be targeted Russian strikes on diplomatic mission buildings.
"The situation is obviously deteriorating rapidly," one senior diplomat said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin had ordered intensified attacks on Kyiv to force Ukrainians to leave the capital.
According to him, this is what Russia sought to achieve at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
Russia has significantly intensified its attacks on the city recently.
Russian forces are using ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones in the attacks, striking residential buildings, warehouses, gas stations, shopping centers, schools, kindergartens, and energy facilities.
