UK ambassador to Kyiv praised for staying put amid fears of invasion

Despite sniping from the Tory press Melinda Simmons is renowned as trailblazer who has thrown herself into the job

• Ukraine crisis: live updates

Melinda Simmons, the British ambassador to Kyiv, has been winning plaudits for her decision to stay in post in the Ukrainian capital, working with a much-reduced staff to help UK citizens out of the country and to manage the steady flow of British dignitaries still flying to the country to show their solidarity.

Given the clarity, frequency and urgency of the British intelligence warnings of an imminent Russian invasion, including the possibility of airstrikes, it is surprising that she has until now insisted she remain in situ alongside a core team.