2024-08-04 09:39:22
Ukraine became one of the first countries to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon amid sharply deteriorating security in the Middle East.
This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
On behalf of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense (GUR MO) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine jointly organized the evacuation of thirty Ukrainians. The operation took place on August 3, 2024.
The Ukrainian citizens, including 21 women and nine children, were provided with a plane courtesy of SkyUp Airlines. They were flown to Rzeszow, Poland, where they were met by Ukrainian consuls and representatives of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence. They were provided with all necessary assistance and a safe passage to Ukraine.
Representatives of Ukraine expressed gratitude to SkyUp Airlines for the provided aircraft, emphasizing the importance of this assistance in such a difficult situation. Ukrainian diplomats had previously warned citizens in Lebanon about the need to leave the country due to the deteriorating situation.
The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue to work to provide assistance to Ukrainian citizens remaining in Lebanon and are considering the possibility of further evacuation of those who have expressed a desire to leave the country. Citizens who have decided to stay are advised to avoid crowded places, not to participate in demonstrations, and to observe security measures and the rules for foreigners staying in the country.
They should also monitor local authorities for updates on the evolving situation, carry identification documents at all times and consider shortening their stay in Lebanon.
In addition to these recommendations, Ukrainian citizens are strongly advised to refrain from traveling to areas adjacent to the Syrian and Israeli borders, to the Nahr al-Bared and Beddawi refugee camps near Tripoli, Ain al-Hilweh and Mieh Mieh near Sidon, to the Bekaa Valley and the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The safety of Ukrainian citizens is an absolute priority for the state, government officials emphasized, noting that Ukraine never abandons its citizens in trouble, regardless of the circumstances and distance from the Motherland.
Earlier, Cursor reported that another European country is calling on its citizens to urgently leave Israel, Lebanon and Iran.
Due to the threat of serious escalation in the Middle East, European countries advise their citizens not to visit Israel, Lebanon and Iran.