By KYIV. Nov 7 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The British Embassy has no plans to evacuate from Kyiv, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to Ukraine Melinda Simmons has said.
"No, there are no plans to evacuate. We’re here with security that enables us to be here. I’ve now been here for months, I’m living in this war, just like you’re living in this war. It’s certainly true to say that the circumstances for taking us out are already different from the circumstances under which we first left back in February. That’s not just because we think the threat is less serious: it’s still serious. We have a better idea now of both Ukrainian capability and also Russia’s," Simmons said in exclusive interview to Interfax-Ukraine.
She said the embassy staff are willing to put up with a lot to do their job.
"I would say it’s a daily conversation as it must be for any Ukrainian, frankly, to look at the circumstances. But we are prepared to live with quite a lot to do the work that we do. For now, there aren’t any plans to leave Kyiv. And I think it’s probably quite important for many people that we stay," Simmons said.
According to her, she understands that the presence of the British Embassy in Kyiv is important as a signal for many Ukrainians and for some countries.
"Yeah, this is what I am told. I go into shops to buy something and someone gives me my change and says: ‘You’re not leaving, are you?’ So, I know that it’s important for many regular Ukrainians and certainly for some countries, in particular. I do notice. It can create a pressure, in the sense that, maybe you can’t leave because then it sends a signal. We all have to look after people, and the Foreign Office in the UK has a duty to care for us all [British Nationals]. But we are being very pragmatic about the appetite to be here that I and my colleagues have. And I can tell you that our commitments are pretty strong – it turns out we’re quite brave. And we’re very ready to be here," Simmons said.
