New Delhi: Amid heightened fear of Russian invasion in Ukraine, the US State Department, on Sunday, ordered the families of personnel working in the US Embassy in Kyiv to leave the country. The State Department also said that non essential embassy staff could also leave the country on government expense.
The move came amid rising tensions about Russia’s escalation in Ukraine after failed attempts of talks on Friday between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Geneva.
The State Department however stated that the embassy will remain open and that the announcement did not mean an evacuation. “The move had been under consideration for some time and does not reflect an easing of US support for Ukraine, said an official as reported by AP.
In a statement issued by the US State Department, it highlighted recent reports regarding Russia’ planning for a military action against Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry, however, accused NATO countries of escalating tensions around Ukraine with disinformation.
"The security conditions, particularly along Ukraine's borders, in Russia-occupied Crimea, and in Russia-controlled eastern Ukraine, are unpredictable and can deteriorate with little notice. Demonstrations, which have turned violent at times, regularly occur throughout Ukraine, including in Kyiv," the State Department added.
The department's travel advisory was modified on Sunday to carry a stronger warning, which already had warned against travelling to Ukraine because of COVID-19 as well as the tensions over Russia.
"Do not travel to Ukraine due to the increased threats of Russian military action and COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Ukraine due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk," the travel advisory stated.
Meanwhile The travel advisory for Russia was also changed. "Do not travel to Russia due to ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine, the potential for harassment against US citizens, the embassy's limited ability to assist US citizens in Russia, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, terrorism, harassment by Russian government security officials, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law," it said.