Situation update
Now on day two, Russia's blitzkrieg into Ukraine is continuing after meeting some resistance. It is clear that a regime change in Kyiv and the rapid destruction of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are Moscow's immediate objectives.
Now on day two, Russia's blitzkrieg into Ukraine is continuing after meeting some resistance. It is clear that a regime change in Kyiv and the rapid destruction of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are Moscow's immediate objectives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
“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.
“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.
Updated February 11, 2022, 2:30 EST
