The first US embassy employees and relatives of diplomats can leave the Ukrainian capital Kiev. The United States Department of State announced the limited occupation of the embassy in a statement last night. The American travel advice for Ukraine has also been adjusted.
The US embassy in Ukraine had already asked for permission last Friday to allow family members of diplomats to return to the US.
The relatives can now leave because of ‘the Russian military threat’, the US Department reports. They have to book a commercial flight themselves. There are currently no evacuation flights. Non-essential embassy staff will also be allowed to leave.
Americans currently in Ukraine are being advised by the ministry to leave the country. The travel advice for Ukraine was adjusted by the US last night to the highest risk level. The ministry emphasizes that the embassy will remain open for the time being.
Troops at Ukrainian border
The US is anticipating a Russian invasion of Ukraine. President Putin has assembled a large force near the Ukrainian border and the navy is training in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The Kremlin wants NATO to withdraw from Eastern Europe and guarantees that Ukraine will not join the Western alliance.
Tensions are running high
Russia has been trying to place many troops close to the Ukrainian border since late last year. NATO countries fear a Russian invasion. Recently, several Western leaders have expressed support for Ukraine and warned the Kremlin of the consequences of a raid.
Tensions between Russia and the United States and other Western countries have been running high due to the conflict in Ukraine. A civil war has been raging in the east of the country since 2014.