Monitoring the situation in Eastern Europe and considering its impact on global mobility

While there are many global sources of information available that are covering the Russian military offensive into Ukraine currently, we wanted to share a few resources we find valuable as we monitor the situation and consider the impact, or possible impact, on global mobility programs.

One of the most recent sharings we received was from the Voerman Group. They have a large relocation, moving & logistics company in Russia, released information today (March 2) on the impact of the war for shipping as a whole now and in the weeks to come. Per Parsifal, "The report explains that “All business has stopped to Ukraine and Belarus due to the security situation. The trucking prices in Russia have increased up to 400% for import and 300% for export, (and) a serious shortage of drivers in international road transport is looming in the coming weeks.” See their update here.

Previously, one of our regional partners, Intermark, recently provided the following updates and assessments. 

With regard to the general situation:

• The Ukraine president announced a State of Emergency and introduced a draft law on general mobilization
• Ukraine severed diplomatic relations with Russia
• Airspace over Ukraine is closed; all airports are closed and used for military purposes only
• Ukraine closed its land border with Belarus
• State authorities urge citizens to stay at home along with recommendations to go to the bomb shelter for Kiev citizens
• The National Bank of Ukraine has limited cash withdrawals of UAH 100,000 and stopped the work of the foreign exchange market. A moratorium has been introduced on cross-border payments and withdrawals by Russian residents
• Ukraine organized evacuation railway trips in the Lugansk, Donetsk and Odessa regions

With regard to the impact on people:

• Businesses and public transport generally continue to operate
• Public transportation in Kiev operates free of charge
• Traffic jams at the exits from Kiev and at the borders of the country
• Queues at ATMs, pharmacies, gas stations
• Schools and kindergartens in the country are temporarily closed
• International schools are closed

With regard to the impact on services: 

- HHG: While air shipment is not available, inland shipments are possible, though with delays.

A fuel crisis is starting and will likely become worse. This will surely impact the cost of transports.
Online household goods surveys are possible, but internet connection is not stable.

The Intermark team "does their best to keep all packings as scheduled and is scheduling new ones whilst ensuring the safety of customers and employees. However, the situation may change at any moment."

- DSP Services: Force majeure clause can be used to terminate expat leases if necessary.

The Intermark team "continues supporting assignees with urgent terminations and property handovers in Kiev. The majority of international staff is moving to Lviv (western part of Ukraine)."

Another resource that may be of interest in monitoring the situation comes from Crisis24. They provide this guide, "Risk Intelligence & Security Recommendations for Personnel in Ukraine," for those companies with people in Ukraine, although it is potentially useful for anyone in the region. 

One more great resource utilized by many companies and often connected to mobility programs is International SOS. They will be hosting a webinar on Feb. 25 (register here) as they share on-the-ground insight and provide situation assessments and recommendations on supporting your employees in Ukraine. The 30-minute session will explore:

• the latest security situation update
• considerations around your domestic employees and support for international assignees
• answers to your specific questions

Lastly, Jobbatical is offering free consultation for companies working to bring their Ukrainian employees to Spain, Estonia, Portugal and Germany, and are also reducing fees to the minimum for visa applications for Ukrainian citizens relocating on an employment visa. They share that Ukrainian citizens holding a valid biometric passport may travel to and remain in the Schengen region for 90 days during a 180-day period. It is important to note that at this stage, airspace is closed to civilian flights, and leaving Ukraine is only possible by land.

We have been working to assist our clients to assess their employee population and to provide insight into options available. As you consider your company's level of risk, need for support and duty of care issues, please feel free to reach out to us here.