Firm says staff should look at leaving country or relocating to other areas
Gleeds has told its staff in Ukraine their number one priority is to look after themselves and either leave the country or relocate elsewhere.
This afternoon’s update comes as Russian troops moved into the northern districts of Kyiv with videos showing armoured vehicles advancing. The Ukraine government said it had handed out 18,000 machine guns to local volunteers in the capital.
Gleeds has around 15 staff in the city, mainly Ukrainians, with the outpost head by Scotsman Colin Ross. The office has been shut since Russia began its invasion in the early hours of yesterday morning.
In a statement, Gleeds chairman Richard Steer said: “In light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and fighting now reaching the capital Kyiv we have formed an ongoing Ukraine Group made up of senior directors across Europe to help coordinate as well as provide ongoing assistance and support.
“We also have operations in countries bordering Ukraine who are able to help where appropriate.
“Our instruction to colleagues at this time is to focus on their own personal safety and that of their families and loved ones.”
He added: “Colin Ross, our country head, his family and staff are now in the process of exploring options available to them which includes either attempting to leave the country, relocating or remaining in Kyiv where they live.”
Ross has previously said that he and his wife Ira will head west to the Polish border if they need to flee the capital.
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