Andina

FA Ministry: 320 Peruvians reside in Ukraine, 196 may be evacuated

17:30 | Lima, Feb. 24.

The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday reported that, at this time, around 320 Peruvian citizens reside in Ukraine —196 of whom are already registered on a list so as to be evacuated to Poland at any time.

"Peruvians in Ukraine are approximately 196, who are already registered on a list, and we calculate that the number can climb up to 320, because there are some people who have not been registered yet," explained Maria Antonieta Masana, Ambassador of Peruvian Communities Abroad at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The diplomat indicated that there is permanent coordination with the Honorary Consulate, as well as the Consular Section of the Peruvian Embassy in Poland, which has higher attendance.

"We are focused on plan B because plan A was to evacuate them by air; however, they did not want to leave Ukraine until yesterday. Now, airports are closed, and taking them by land to the border with Poland is the only possibility that remains on the table," Ambassador Masana said in remarks to Canal N.

"Most of the Peruvian compatriots residing in Ukraine have lived there for a long time, they have roots, some of them already have children and even grandchildren," she added.

Likewise, the diplomat explained that traveling "from Kiev to Poland by bus lasts more or less 5 hours. Our consulate will bear the costs of transportation, food, and accommodation up to the border, where our officials from the Embassy of Peru in Poland will be waiting for them."

Masana affirmed that the Ministry plans to take Peruvians, who request so, out of Ukraine in order to bring them to a safe place.

"So far, we have not received from any compatriot the notification or desire to leave. We are ready to take them out," she said.

Moreover, the ambassador informed that every fellow citizen, who is in Ukraine and does not have a Peruvian document, will also receive a safe conduct to leave Ukraine if he/she requires so.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry representative reiterated that the institution remains attentive to events in Ukraine and permanently monitors the situation of Peruvians residing in that country, as well as their possible evacuation-related demands.

Those who wish to communicate with the Ministry's Department of Protection and Assistance to Nationals can do so by calling (+511)204-3279.

(END) KGR/MVB

Published: 2/24/2022