Cyprus is ready to charter flights to repatriate Cypriot citizens from Ukraine if needed, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said on Tuesday after the foreign ministry had earlier advised them to leave.

“If it is needed we are fully prepared to charter flights for the repatriation of any Cypriot citizens,” he said.

The minister recalled that Cypriots were also repatriated during the lockdown period.

“Cypriot citizens who are permanently or temporarily residing in Ukraine are advised to leave the country while direct commercial flights are still operating,” a foreign ministry announcement said earlier as tensions on the border with Russia continue to escalate, adding that airlines may suspend flights to and from the country at any time.

A total of 140 Cypriots are registered on the foreign ministry’s portal as residing in Ukraine, spokesperson Demetris Demetriou said.

“The government is not yet considering organising charter flights to repatriate our compatriots, as there are still outbound commercial flights available,” Demetriou said.

“However, we have already contacted all 140 people registered on our platform and advised them to remain alert.”

Demetriou added that, first and foremost, Cypriots living in Ukraine should avoid unnecessary travel to areas of eastern and northern Ukraine. There are currently around 20 Cypriots living near the Russian border.

Finally, he called on people not yet registered on the foreign ministry’s portal to do so immediately at www.connect2cy.gov.cy and specify their precise location.