Algeria, Egypt urge nationals in Ukraine to stay home

By Ibrahim Al-Khazen
ANKARA (AA) – Algeria and Egypt on Thursday called on their citizens in Ukraine to stay indoors, amid a Russian military intervention in the country.

In a statement, the Algerian Embassy in Kyiv asked its citizens to “abide by the instructions given by Ukrainian authorities, especially those related to staying at home and not moving except for absolutely necessary,” citing “the dangerous security developments” in Ukraine.

The Egyptian Embassy in the Ukrainian capital also urged its nationals "not to leave homes, keep identity documents, and follow instructions issued by the Ukrainian authorities until the situation stabilizes."

Russian President Vladimir Putin early Thursday announced a military intervention in Ukraine, just days after recognizing two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine. The recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk drew international condemnations and announcements of tougher sanctions on Moscow.

There were reports of explosions in several Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, and several military vehicles reportedly crossed the border from Belarus into Ukraine.

In recent months, Putin has amassed over 100,000 Russian troops around Ukraine, but repeatedly denied any intention of invading.

Writing by Ibrahim Mukhtar