Organizations move staff out of Ukraine
As Russia amasses troops on the Ukrainian border, international organizations with personnel in the country have withdrawn staff as the threat of an invasion increased. Indeed, US President Joe Biden encouraged citizens to leave the country last week, with several governments across the world issuing the same advice.
Dale Buckner, CEO of security firm Global Guardian, has said that “most large Western-based businesses with expatriates working in Ukraine have already either started to the leave the country or are planning to do so soon.” However, those with family in the country, or those who have been designated essential to keep organizations running, may have remained with a plan in place to later evacuate to a safe zone.
The organizations who are moving staff out of the country will also need to consider the commercial options available, as flights have started to be cancelled and some international insurers are pulling cover for the country. Last Friday, the UK Foreign Office noted that "British nationals in Ukraine should leave now while commercial means are still available".
Alternatively, US-based Just Answer, with 300 employees in Ukraine, confirmed their commitment to remaining in the country, as reported in a Forbes article. The organization has put a BC plan in place which includes data back-up, internet access, satellite communication, back-up power supplies and succession arrangements for staff who need to leave the country.
The situation in Ukraine is constantly evolving, with earlier reports suggesting an invasion by Wednesday, 15th February, was a possibility, while some Russian troops now appear to be returning to their bases. The lack of clarity regarding the situation means that, at the very least, businesses should have a BC plan in place for the disruption caused by colleagues leaving the country or actions related to the possible invasion.
More on
About the author
Kieran Matthews
Content Creator, The BCI
