Critical Situation in Ukraine 

The Diplomatic Association mission statement on the 
war in Ukraine: 

DAAD has joined forces with other NGOs to support potential refugees in Ukraine and coordinate humanitarian support with all parties of conflict. DAAD is giving important statements about security and migration of refugees via the several exit points of Ukraine. We recommend every member of the diplomatic community remaining in Ukraine to stay at home if no secure evacuation route is advised by the authorities. It is to be expected that energy and water supply as well as communication maybe cut off. 

It is important to take care over water supply by filling bathtubs and other suitable containers with water as long as the water supply is available. Please do also if your intent is to leave the house, in case of that the situation makes it necessary to return home later. We have learned from other conflicts involving the Russian military in Syria that their main intent is to identify essential military targets. Therefore, all people are advised to stay away from such infrastructures. If evacuation of a member of the Diplomatic Association is requested, we will try to provide support via our several diplomatic interfaces and our liaison manager at the United Nations New York. Air Evac based on the health insurance of the DAAD is temporary not available due to the closure of the Ukrainian Airspace. ​We are yet to assess if we deploy a humanitarian support unit in Poland and Lithuania. Due to the overwhelming force of the Russian assault, we expect that Ukrainian forces partially will be overrun. We have seen from previous assaults in Debaltsevo that the Pro Russian Rebels supported by Russian Intelligence Systems may proceed with rapid movement into Ukrainian terrain. 

It is strictly advised not to resist any advancing forces nor to pose any insignia of being a party of any side chosen. People of political influence should be prepared for being arrested and interrogated. It is important that they leave traces of their previous location for the diplomatic corps to be able to follow up and potentially negotiate for a release with the conflicting parties. 

The situation is highly untransparent, as privately financed militia may take part in the assaults and in some parts seek conflict with the Russian army independent from the Ukrainian army.  We strongly recommend help organizations and relief parties involved in humanitarian missions to prepare for potential false flags and staged events from both sides. Therefore, it is important to understand that either party may mimic enemy or friendly troops, police, or any other public service. Make sure that you are speaking with confirmed and known parties and remain neutral in negotiations. We will provide further updates on the latter.