Consultant has 15 people in country which was attacked by Russia in early hours of this morning
Gleeds has confirmed that all its staff in Kyiv are safe and well after Russia’s president Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine.
Russian military vehicles were said to have breached the border in a number of places, in the north, south and east, including from Belarus around three hours’ drive away from Kyiv.
Gleeds has an office with 15 staff in the Ukrainian capital and its general director for the country, Colin Ross, told Building: “Gleeds staff are safe and accounted for. The office is, obviously, closed today.
“I have requested that people do what suits them today, [whether] that is personal things or work.
“I previously asked whether people intended to evacuate Kyiv [and] Ukraine and have asked if there is anything anybody needs. Nobody has made any requests.”
He added: “This is a very dynamic situation and, to be honest, I think people need time to digest what is happening before making a decision [on whether to stay or leave].
“Kyiv remains calm. [There are] queues at petrol stations, ATMs, chemists and shops. Main roads out of Kyiv are very busy. Explosions [were] heard early morning and jets flew over during the morning but [there] doesn’t appear to be any panic.”
Ross, who is staying put for now, has previously said that he and his wife Ira will head west to the Polish border if they need to flee the capital.
Gleeds chairman Richard Steer added: “We are clearly communicating with our office and colleagues. I agree with our people on the ground that it is for the Gleeds local team to decide what those affected should do – evacuate or remain. I am leaving that to individuals. I have previously advised, and will reiterate, that Gleeds are there to help as required.”
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