Ukraine Successfully Evacuates Citizens from Lebanon Amid Worsening Security Threats

August 3, 2024: In response to the worsening security situation in Lebanon, Ukraine swiftly carried out a successful evacuation of its citizens from dangerous areas. The operation was organized through the joint efforts of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine.

Among the evacuees were 30 individuals — 21 women and 9 children — who have already arrived in Rzeszów, Poland. They were welcomed by Ukrainian consuls and HUR representatives. Currently, the citizens are receiving necessary consular assistance, and arrangements for their further stay and movement are being addressed.

The MFA of Ukraine had previously issued updated recommendations for Ukrainians in Lebanon due to the severe deterioration of the security situation. These recommendations include urging not to travel to Lebanon and to evacuate from the country for those already present.

The Ukrainian state is actively working to ensure the protection of its citizens in any part of the world and under any conditions.

This is not the first instance where Ukraine has organized large-scale evacuation operations to protect its citizens abroad.

Evacuation from Gaza

November-December 2023: Amid intense conflict and worsening humanitarian conditions in the Gaza, Ukraine successfully completed an evacuation operation for its citizens. The operation was carried out through the joint efforts of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine.

Over several weeks, starting from November 8, 2023, Ukraine evacuated 304 of its citizens, as well as 2 Palestinians and 9 Moldovan citizens. In total, 315 individuals were evacuated. The first group of 43 Ukrainians was evacuated on November 8, with subsequent groups arriving by mid-December.

The evacuation was carried out through the Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt, with SkyUp Airlines participating in the operation. Among the evacuees were not only Ukrainian citizens but also individuals with special needs, such as pregnant women and cancer patients.

Evacuation from Afghanistan

August 2021: Ukraine demonstrated its readiness to rescue its citizens in crisis situations. One such example was the large-scale evacuation from Afghanistan when the situation in the country escalated following the Taliban’s takeover.

Starting in August 2021, Ukraine organized an intensive evacuation, relocating over 650 individuals to safe locations. As of August 25, about 90 Ukrainian citizens remained in Afghanistan, with the majority evacuated by the end of the month.

The Head of Office of the President Andriy Yermak confirmed that all Ukrainians who expressed a desire to leave were evacuated. Ukrainian special services actively interacted with the Taliban to ensure the safety of evacuation flights, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated the organization of flights.

This operation also involved assistance from international partners in implementing evacuation measures, underscoring Ukraine’s readiness for international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises.

Evacuation from Sudan

April 25, 2023: Amid intense fighting and a humanitarian disaster in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, Ukraine successfully carried out an evacuation operation for its citizens. The operation was organized through the joint efforts of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), the Office of the President of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

From the conflict zone, 87 Ukrainian citizens were evacuated, including aviation specialists, pilots, technicians, and their families. Additionally, 51 citizens of Georgia and Peru were rescued. In total, 138 people were evacuated from Khartoum, including 35 women and 12 children.

Evacuation from Syria

October 20, 2021: Ukrainian military intelligence successfully evacuated five Ukrainian citizens from the Syrian camp “Roj,” where they had been held for over two years.

Among the evacuees was Iman and her four children, who returned safely to Ukraine. This operation marked the fourth flight of the evacuation campaign from Syria, carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HUR, and other agencies.

The return of Ukrainians was made possible through the coordinated efforts of Ukrainian diplomats, including the Ukrainian embassy in Iraq and the honorary consul in Erbil.

Evacuation from Libya

April 5, 2011: Amid the escalation of military actions in Libya, Ukraine carried out a large-scale humanitarian operation to evacuate its citizens. On April 4, 2011, the large landing ship “Konstantin Olshansky” docked at the passenger terminal of the port of Tripoli to evacuate Ukrainians and citizens of other countries.

Aboard the “Konstantin Olshansky” were 193 individuals, including 85 Ukrainians and 108 foreigners. Among them were citizens from the United Kingdom, the USA, Belarus, Ireland, and other countries. Specifically, among the Ukrainian citizens were 44 women, 11 children, and 30 men. The ship is heading to Malta, where part of the foreign nationals will disembark before the vessel returns to Ukraine.

In total, 568 Ukrainian citizens were evacuated from Libya, including 279 by Ministry of Defense and MAU aircraft, 85 by “Konstantin Olshansky,” and 204 with the help of foreign states. Ukraine also assisted in the evacuation of 274 foreigners from 28 countries, including through “Konstantin Olshansky.”