The US government has ordered the families of US diplomats stationed in Kyiv to leave Ukraine “due to the persistent threat of a Russian military operation”, the State Department announced on Sunday.

Local and non-essential personnel can leave the embassy if they wish, and U.S. citizens residing in Ukraine “should now consider” leaving the country on commercial flights or other modes of transportation, the State Department statement added North American.

“The security situation, especially along the Ukrainian borders, in Russian-occupied Crimea and in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region, is unpredictable and could deteriorate at any time,” reads the press release.

“U.S. citizens in Ukraine should be aware that a Russian military operation anywhere in Ukraine would seriously affect the U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services, including assistance to U.S. citizens who are leaving Ukraine”, warns the text.

The State Department also urges the US community in Ukraine to inform itself about “what the US Government can and cannot do to assist [them] during a crisis abroad”.

Finally, it also advises against any travel to Ukraine, due to the possibility of a Russian attack, although the country was already advised against American travelers due to covid-19.

Source: with agencies