Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba instructed the relevant units of the diplomatic service to focus on protecting the interests of Ukrainian citizens in Kazakhstan. Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said this, reports Interfax-Ukraine.
"We are closely following the developments in Kazakhstan. Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba instructed the relevant units of the diplomatic service to focus on protecting the interests of Ukrainian citizens in Kazakhstan. The key priority now is their safety," Nikolenko said Thursday.
According to him, the Ukrainian embassy in Nur-Sultan switched to a round-the-clock operating mode. In case of a threat to life or safety, Ukrainians can ask for help by phone: +7 705 755 66 10 or by e-mail: emb_kz@mfa.gov.ua.
"The situation is complicated by the introduction of the state of emergency in Kazakhstan, the unstable operation of mobile communications and the Internet. Regional passenger transport is partially restricted, and international flights are significantly delayed or cancelled," the speaker explained.
He pointed out that on Wednesday evening, a group of Ukrainian citizens could not fly on the flight Almaty-Kiev because of the suspension of the airport.
"Diplomats helped the Ukrainians with the search for places to spend the night. Currently, the embassy is finding out with the airport administration and the airline the possibility of implementing the specified flight, keeps in touch with the passengers. According to the information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the airport Nur-Sultan operates in normal mode. Today the flight to Kiev is planned", - said Nikolenko
He stressed that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expects the Kazakh authorities to strictly ensure the safety of Ukrainian citizens, to provide them with full assistance, including those Ukrainians who prefer to leave the territory of Kazakhstan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also calls on the citizens of Ukraine to avoid public events, primarily in large cities, to be extra vigilant and cautious, and to register in the electronic system "DRUG" so that diplomats can render timely assistance to Ukrainians.In addition, to register in the electronic system "DRUG" so that diplomats could render assistance in time.
"I want to reassure everyone: the Ukrainian state will not leave its citizens to the mercy of fate," the Foreign Ministry speaker assured.
Nikolenko added that further steps of the Foreign Ministry and other agencies to protect the interests of Ukrainians in Kazakhstan will be adjusted depending on developments in the security situation.
