Background
On 21 February 2022, Russia officially recognized the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic, separatist states in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, as independent territories. Subsequently, Russian troops began deploying to the two separatist states. Three days later on 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine along three major fronts. As a result of the invasion, many countries implemented sanctions against Russia, several high-profile Russian citizens, and Russian-based companies.
On Call’s Global Response Center Teams received an influx of inquiries around general traveler safety for those in bordering countries as well as for those in other areas throughout Europe. The Teams also received requests for assistance/evacuations for those operating in areas affected by the conflict.
Operational Highlights
Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, On Call worked to facilitate commercial flight evacuation options for multiple clients. After the invasion began, however, flight options were no longer feasible given the closure of Ukraine’s airspace and the targeting of civilian airports by Russian forces. Considering these circumstances, On Call’s Global Security Team shifted its focus to arranging secure ground transportation from Ukraine into neighboring Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Amid this endeavor, On Call arranged for pickup in Lviv, Ukraine, and transportation to its border crossings. Once the evacuees crossed over the Ukrainian border, they were picked up by another pre-staged team that then transported them to On Call-vetted hotels near international airports and arranged for flights out of these airports to their final destinations.
Challenges & Solutions
On Call’s Global Security Team overcame numerous challenges while conducting evacuations out of Ukraine, an active war zone:
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Air evacuation options were not feasible after Ukrainian airspace was shut down and as Russian forces were targeting Ukrainian airports.
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The Russian invasion of Ukraine generated a significant exodus of refugees over land borders into neighboring countries.
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Lengthy delays were reported at land border crossings with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania
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Vehicles traveling along major roadways were potential targets of Russian
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Accurate route analysis became vital as a wrong turn could lead travelers towards active combat
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Essential resources including fuel, medical supplies, food, and water were increasingly becoming
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Successful Extraction out of Ukraine
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Despite the heightened risks and multiple challenges, On Call’s Global Security Team was able to leverage its network of secure transportation resources to safely transport clients out of Ukraine. During this time, On Call organized dozens of successful evacuations into neighboring countries and safely facilitated clients’ onward travel to other destinations.
About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common accident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 25 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.
