The Government Of Canada Has Issued Advice To Canadians Who Are In Ukraine Right Now

The Government of Canada has shared advice for Canadians who are in Ukraine right now after Russia launched a military attack on the country in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Any Canadians who are in Ukraine are recommended to either shelter in place or — if safe and possible — to leave the country as quickly as they can.

"Since February 1, the Canadian government is advising Canadians to avoid all travel to Ukraine. If you are in Ukraine, you should leave now while commercial means are available," reads a notice from officials.

It adds that Canadians in Ukraine who need help or support should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre for 24/7 emergency consular assistance.

Those in Ukraine should consider leaving ASAP via a neighbouring country — Poland, Moldova, Romania, Hungary or Slovakia — says the Government of Canada.

Each bordering nation has its own rules for entry, and anyone travelling there should familiarize themselves with what's required of them, including documentation like visas, COVID-19 vaccine certificates, passport requirements and COVID-19 testing.

And, if you're returning to Canada, make sure you also check out the rules for returning, which vary depending on your COVID-19 vaccination status.

In the early hours of Thursday, February 24, the government updated its travel advisory for Ukraine, which now reads, "Avoid all travel to Ukraine due to armed conflict with Russia."

"If you are in Ukraine, you should shelter in place unless it is safe for you to leave the country."

In the early hours of Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops to cross the Ukrainian border for what he called a "special military operation."

Ukraine described the move as a "full-scale invasion," which has included explosions and the deaths of at least 40 Ukrainian soldiers so far, per The New York Times.

In response to the attack, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's egregious attack on Ukraine."

He added, "Russia's brazen acts will not go unpunished."

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.