Russia evacuating diplomatic staff from Ukraine.

[Tomconroy]

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The National
Feb 12, 2022
Russia has begun withdrawing its diplomatic staff from Ukraine, the Russian state-owned Ria Novosti news agency reported on Saturday amid mounting fears that Moscow will soon launch an invasion after months of military build-up on the borders with its neighbour.

"Russian diplomats and consular officers in Ukraine have begun to leave for Russia," Ria Novosti quoted a source as saying.

Russia has said it had no plans to invade Ukraine and has not officially announced the withdrawal of its diplomatic staff there, but the source said a reduction in personnel was indicated by the increased difficulty in obtaining appointments at Russia's embassy and consulates.

Commenting on the reported withdrawal, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia had decided to "optimise" staffing at its missions in Ukraine in view of "possible provocations by the Kiev regime or third countries". However, they would continue to provide basic services, she wrote on her Telegram account.

https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/europe/2022/02/12/russia-evacuating-diplomatic-staff-from-ukraine/

[dalton99a]

1. "Don't let us hit you by mistake"

[Bayard]

2. Well, there you go

That's about as telling as all their troops on the border.

And why keep diplomats in Ukraine when you think you're going to install one of your cronies over the country?

[qazplm135]

3. It's obvious they are invading

Just when where and to what extent

[roamer65]

4. Next week.

Sounds like our intel is right.

[Buckeyeblue]

5. I think they'll wait until after the Olympics

The last thing they want is Ukraine being the dominant point of discussion/coverage for the end of the Olympics. Especially knowing that the US media will allow Ukranian athletes to speak.

But, who knows, maybe Putin wants to be the center of attention.

[roamer65]

6. I have a feeling during the Olympics.

Our athletes are in Beijing and I think Putin believes that will subdue our initial response…fears for their safety.

[Buckeyeblue]

8. Good point

I was wondering what our reaction would be regarding the safety of our athletes if the invasion started.

I think it's in China's best interest that athletes stay safe.

[bahboo]

7. fuck...just what the world doesn't need...

I hope we bring severe economic pain to them...

[PortTack]

9. EU sources say they have been waiting for the ground to completely freeze so they can take their

Heavy equipment cross country..that date this year is 2/15