Ukraine Crisis Update: Britain Asks Nationals To Leave Crimea

by Benson Agoha

British nationals in Crimea have been advised to leave the area now.

In a foreign travel advice update issued on government website and still current this morning, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said nationals are advised against all advice to Crimea.

The statement said the situation in Crimea remains extremely tense; public protests continue in and around Independence and St. Michael’s Squares in Kyiv.

"The FCO is not able to provide consular services to anyone choosing to remain in Crimea. Events in Ukraine are fast moving. You should monitor this travel advice regularly and subscribe to emails alerts" (available on government website).

The travel warning update comes as reports say the situation in Crimea remains tense and Russian forces and pro-Russian groups in Crimea have established full operational control there following the decision of the Russian parliament to authorise military action on Ukrainian soil against he wishes of the Ukrainian Government, the statement said.

A meeting between US and Russian representatives in London yesterday ended without a commitment from the Russian government to withdraw from Crimea.

Unites States Secretary of State John Kerry who met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, told the media, he was disappointed that President Putin's position remains to wait and act after Sunday's referendum in Crimea.

Britain and the United States maintain that Sunday's referendum is illegal and government say it could increase tensions and flights in and out of Simferopol airport are subject to disruption.

"If you are using this route, you should stay in touch with your airline," the statement said.

The update said although train and bus routes out of the peninsula are still operating, there are reports of road blocks, but traffic is able to get through.

"If you’re currently visiting or living in Crimea, you should leave now. If you choose to remain, you should keep a low profile, avoid areas of protest or stand-off and stay indoors where possible."

To register for government's regular updates on travel advice click here >>> [EMAIL ALERTS ON TRAVEL ADVISE].

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