Nothing wipes Covid from the headlines like the threat of nuclear war – and when Russian President Vladimir Putin put his country’s nuclear forces on full alert yesterday during Russia’s current assault on Ukraine, it ratcheted up tension that has seen Qantas move its flightpaths to avoid Russian airspace, while countries, including Australia, urge their citizens to get out of Russia.
Professor John Blaxland, at ANU’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, described Putin’s nuclear rhetoric as “deeply concerning” and said he hoped Putin was bluffing, Yahoo News reported.
Putin has already warned Russia’s enemies: “They must know that Russia will respond immediately, and the consequences will be such as you have never seen in your entire history.”
Suddenly, the Covid pandemic is no longer the world’s chief concern.
Although Putin is unlikely to want nuclear war over Ukraine, the brinksmanship, the possibility of miscalculation and the very brief flight times of modern hypersonic missiles have seen countries scramble to warn their citizens to get out of harm’s way.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has warned Australians to avoid travelling to Russia and advised those already there to get out. Other countries, including Britain, the US and France have issued similar advice and have also advised their citizens to leave Ukraine if they can.
DFAT SAYS:
Do not travel to Russia due to the security environment and military conflict with Ukraine. If you’re in Russia, consider leaving by commercial or private means if it’s safe to do so. The security situation could deteriorate further with little warning. Remain vigilant and avoid any protests or demonstrations.
DFAT continues: Commercial travel routes between Russia and Europe have been impacted by measures taken in response to military action in Ukraine. A number of Russian airports are now closed to the public. There are reports that train services from St Petersburg to Helsinki are limiting passengers to Russian and Finnish citizens. If you’re planning to depart Russia, confirm with your transport operator that services are still operating. There are reports of non-Russian credit and debit cards being declined in Russia. Be prepared with alternate means of payment should your cards be declined.
If you decide to stay in Russia, review your personal security plans. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Make sure your travel documents are up to date. If you have significant concerns for your welfare, or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.
We now advise: Do not travel to Russia overall due to the security environment and military conflict with Ukraine.
QANTAS HAS STATED:
“Given the current circumstances and complexities, we’re opting to use one of our alternative flight paths that doesn’t overfly Russia while we continue to monitor this evolving situation.
“We regularly review our flight paths and make any adjustments we consider prudent.”
Qantas flights between Darwin and London, which have been operating over the northern part of Russia, will instead operate on an alternative flight path through the Middle East and southern Europe. This increases total flying time by around one hour.
It’s somewhat ironic to see an airline opt for a flightpath over the Middle East because it’s safer, but that’s the way things are at the moment, while the Ukraine crisis continues. The first flight to operate the alternative flightpath was QF2 from London to Darwin, departing Sunday evening.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, has warned of a “high risk” to civilian aircraft flying near the Ukrainian border.
- In a glimmer of hope, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said yesterday he would send a delegation of officials for talks “without preconditions” with Moscow at the Ukraine-Belarus border. Word is that if Putin gets an assurance Ukraine will not join NATO, he just might call the attack off.
- More than 360,000 people have fled Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s assault, according to the UN.
Written by Peter Needham
