SOS International Advises Evacuation of Ukraine Employees
International SOS increased its evacuation level for Ukraine to EVACUATE: FULL EVACUATION due to the scale of the Russian military build-up in areas bordering Ukraine, the potential for a rapid escalation into conflict, and the current availability of evacuation options. This comes amid joint military exercises between Russia and Belarus, an increased Russian naval presence in the Black Sea, continued Russian military build-up in areas close to the Ukrainian border, the presence of a favorable ‘window’ for a Russian assault to occur, and limited progress in high-level diplomatic talks. Based on the increasing likelihood of military action by Russia in the coming weeks and the potential impact of a significant Russian incursion into Ukraine, the organization advises evacuation of the full workforce.
Advice
- Defer all travel to Ukraine until further notice.
- Foreign nationals and business travelers currently in Ukraine should depart. International SOS’s team on the ground has confirmed that commercial air travel options are operating as normal. International SOS can support air charter evacuations, subject to a security assessment by the aircraft operator at the time of request and regulations regarding COVID-19 testing and visa requirements at the passengers’ destination(s).
- Secure any vacated offices and residences and review security measures in place for local national employees.