Situation update

Around 06:00 local time, Russia commenced a full-scale assault against Ukraine, involving air and missile strikes, as well as a ground invasion from the north, south, and east. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the goal of the operation was to “demilitarize” and "de-nazify" Ukraine. Ukraine has declared martial law and called on its citizens to resist.   

Situation update

On Monday, President Putin formally recognized the independence of the breakaway Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) and the Luhansk People's Republic (LNR) in eastern Ukraine and deployed the Russian military on a "peacekeeping" mission to secure the separatist-controlled territory. The conflict has entered a new phase as the status quo has been changed. Ukraine is on high alert for any further incursion by Russian troops.

Situation update

Russian pretexts for active military involvement are taking shape as the conflict heats up in the Donbas and civilians in the separatist territory are ordered to evacuate to Russia. Russia formally responded to the U.S. diplomatic proposals by threatening "military-technical measures" should its demands not be met.

Situation update

Despite the conflicting reports of a partial Russian withdrawal, tensions have risen over the past several days. A resolution to the situation remains elusive as the Kremlin puts out mixed signals regarding its intentions. 

Carriers Adjust Service as U.S. Tells Citizens to Leave Ukraine

"We are advising all our Western clients with expats to take advantage of commercial air and rail travel while those options, albeit limited, are still available and operating."

In a recent article in Business Travel News, Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner comments on the need for expats to leave Ukraine while commercial air options are still available—and how to prepare key and essential employees on the ground with a swift exit plan, including communication and ground transportation assets. 

Situation update

Anticipated Russian Invasion Creates Crisis For U.S. Companies In Ukraine

“In addition to helping clients prepare for evacuation, we are also advising companies that have employees deemed essential in Ukraine and cannot leave to have a communications plan and assets in place, like satellite phones, in the event of a wide scale cyberattack.”

In a recent article in Forbes, Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner shares how expatriates working in Ukraine have already started leaving the country, or plan to do so soon, and discusses how businesses should prepare their key and essential employees on the ground should the situation with Russia escalate.

Ukraine crisis poses all too familiar security challenges for global enterprises

“In talking with teams on the ground, the trains have been packed going on two weeks now and the airports are very consistent with commercial [flights] remaining busy and brisk. People are moving, and it has started in a material way.”

In a recent article in SecurityInfoWatch.com, Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner discusses how the looming crisis in Ukraine is impacting businesses with operations and employees in the country and runs through various evacuation scenarios, encouraging businesses in Ukraine to prepare now.

Situation update

Updated February 11, 2022, 2:30 EST

Situation update

• According to U.S. intelligence, Russia has reached 70% of the forces it would need for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The same report warned of as many as 50,000 civilian deaths in the event of a Russian assault on Kyiv. This comes as updated satellite images now show that the Russian field army that was stationed near Yelnya has moved to a town 50 kilometers from the Ukraine border. The buildup is likely to continue under the auspices of the ongoing Russian-Belorussian "Allied Resolve" military exercise that is not set to conclude until 20 February. 
• On 07 February, the United Kingdom diverted 350 Royal Marines from Norway to Poland and Germany pledged to send 350 more troops to Lithuania.
• Russian President Putin met with French President Macron on Monday. While no agreement was reached, Putin stated the discussion was, “rather feasible for creating a foundation for our further steps.” Meanwhile, in Washington, German Chancellor Scholz met with U.S. President Biden to discuss a cohesive response to the ongoing crisis. President Biden vowed to shut down the Nord Stream 2 pipeline - which is set to bring Russian fuel to Germany - if President Putin issues the order to invade Ukraine.
• To combat the increase in Russian cyber operations in Ukraine, Microsoft released an updated report on the techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTPs) used by ACTINIUM, a Russian FSB-linked threat group based in Crimea. The group is showing increased activity using attachments in phishing emails that imitate official correspondence to gain access to networks in Ukraine.
• Russian ships are on track to arrive at the Black Sea between 08 February and 11 February for naval exercises, constituting the largest Russian naval grouping in the area since the fall of the USSR.

Advice

• Global Guardian recommends against non-essential travel to Ukraine.
• Expats should consider leaving Ukraine while commercial flights remain available.
• Those who remain in-country should prepare emergency supplies. 
• Secure your assets and prepare your emergency evacuation plan.

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