From a consular perspective, while the security situation is stable, the risk of armed conflict in Ukraine has increased following Russia's actions. As a result, we changed our travel advice and advisories to recommend that Canadians avoid all travel to Ukraine and leave the country before it's impossible to board a commercial aircraft.
The Canadian Embassy has also authorized the departure of non‑essential personnel and their families.
I want to point out that 90% of Canadians in Ukraine have dual citizenship, meaning that they're Ukrainian‑Canadians. Approximately 800 Canadians have registered with our embassy in Ukraine. So far, few requests for consular assistance have been received.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, although the situation in Ukraine and on its border is fluid, Canada's support for Ukraine is steadfast. Russia's actions strike at the very core of the values and principles that underpin the rules-based international order. In that sense, Ukraine's security is not just Europe's security; it is the world's security, including ours here at home in Canada.