About 250,000 Ukrainians currently in Middle East – FM Sybiha

Around 250,000 Ukrainians are currently staying in the Middle East. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to provide them with effective consular assistance and is considering all possible scenarios and response options, including evacuation.

This was reported on Facebook by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, as cited by Ukrinform.

The head of Ukraine’s MFA said that Ukrainian diplomats are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East following the escalation around Iran.

“On the instruction of the President of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to ensure effective consular assistance for our citizens. At present, about 250,000 Ukrainians are in the region,” Sybiha said.

He assured that the MFA’s consular service remains in constant contact with Ukrainian citizens. Ukraine’s embassies are also coordinating with local services, the authorities of host countries, and European partners.

“As of now, fortunately, there is no information about injuries or deaths among Ukrainian citizens as a result of the deteriorating security situation. We are aware of departure problems in countries where airspace has been closed. In all cases, embassies are in contact with citizens and are providing the necessary consultations,” the minister said.

Sybiha added that, in cooperation with European partners, some citizens have already been moved overland to safe locations in Egypt. Overall, as of this morning, the MFA’s hotline has received about three dozen inquiries, mostly related to delayed flights.

“We are analyzing developments and working through all possible scenarios and response options (including evacuation) to ensure the safety of Ukrainian citizens. I urge Ukrainians currently in the region to follow security measures closely and carefully monitor updates from our diplomatic missions and local authorities,” the foreign minister said.

Sybiha also said that each Ukrainian embassy in the region has developed a registration form to maintain prompt contact with as many citizens as possible and provided links to these forms.

As reported by Ukrinform, on February 28, the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on regime facilities in Iran. Iran subsequently attacked U.S. bases in Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan.