Vietnam has called on concerned parties in Ukraine to exercise restraint, avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation and cause losses for civilians and try their best, through dialogue, to find a peaceful solution for peace, stability and development in the country and the region.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh made the statement in Hanoi on July 18 while answering reporters’ queries on Vietnam’s response to the tensions in eastern Ukraine in recent days.

“Vietnam is extremely worried about complicated developments and escalating violence in eastern Ukrainian provinces,” he stated.

Regarding the situation of the Vietnamese community in Ukraine, especially in the eastern region, the Consular Department under the Foreign Ministry said that about 5,000 Vietnamese people are living, studying and working in eastern Ukraine , including 300-400 in Donetsk and surrounding areas.

The Ukrainian administration has agreed to coordinate with the Vietnamese side in ensuring security and safety for the Vietnamese community there.

The Foreign Ministry has also drawn out plans to evacuate Vietnamese citizens if necessary.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Embassy in Ukraine has set up a board to ensure safe evacuations in emergency cases as well as to assist evacuees.

In May and June, some Vietnamese families in eastern Ukraine sent their children to the country’s other regions or to Vietnam. Since early July, when the tension grows, many Vietnamese people, including students, have moved to Kiev where they are provided with accommodations.

According to the Vietnamese Embassy, no Vietnamese has been killed during hostilities in eastern Ukraine.

VNA