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'STAYING PUT'

Hundreds of Brits flee Ukraine – but 5,000 expected to stay even if Putin invades

HUNDREDS of Brits have fled Ukraine since the Foreign Office told them to leave as soon as possible.

But up to 5,000 more are still there — with many expected to hunker down even if Putin invades.

Hundreds of Brits have fled Ukraine since the Foreign Office told them to leave as soon as possible
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Hundreds of Brits have fled Ukraine since the Foreign Office told them to leave as soon as possibleCredit: AFP

Flights from the capital Kyiv to London were packed as visa fees were waived to encourage Brits with families to get out.

Many of those remaining have business and family links in the country.

A source urged those who stay to try to avoid “high value targets” such as airfields and bases near their homes or on routes they use.

A core British Embassy staff, led by Ambassador Melinda Simmons, continues to work in Kyiv.

But a British Consulate was opened in Lviv, close to the Polish border, to cope with the tide of refugees an invasion could unleash.

The US and Israel missions have also moved 300 miles west to the city.

A core British Embassy staff, led by Ambassador Melinda Simmons, continues to work in Kyiv
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A core British Embassy staff, led by Ambassador Melinda Simmons, continues to work in KyivCredit: Getty
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