The Irish government has advised its citizens to leave Ukraine immediately, citing heightened fears of a Russian military offensive. The Department of Foreign Affairs updated its travel advisory on Saturday, urging all Irish nationals in Ukraine to depart via commercial means and advising against any travel to the country.
The warning follows similar advisories from the US and UK governments, with the US cautioning that Russia could invade 'any day now.' Russia has denied plans to invade, despite amassing over 100,000 troops near Ukraine's border.
Ireland's embassy in Kyiv will remain open with a reduced staff, but the situation is under constant review. The government cited intensive consultations with EU partners in Kyiv and Brussels as the basis for the upgraded travel advice.
Irish Senator Mary Seery-Kearney noted that 14 babies are due to be born via surrogacy in Ukraine between now and May. The Department of Foreign Affairs has pledged continued support for affected individuals and families.
