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U.S. draws down Ukraine embassy presence as war fears mount

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Pictured in Kyiv (Ukraine) is the Embassy of The United States.

Future Publishing | Ukrinform | Barcroft Studios | Future Publishing | Getty Images

In response to rising Russian invasion fears, the State Department ordered all American families living at the U.S. Embassy Ukraine on Sunday to evacuate the country.

Dependents of U.S. Embassy staffers in Kyiv were told by the department that they had to leave Ukraine. They also indicated that non-essential personnel could be sent to Ukraine by the government.

The decision was made amid growing tensions regarding Russia’s military buildup near the Ukraine border. This situation did not improve during negotiations Friday between Sergey Lavrov and Antony Blinken, Secretary of State.

Officials from the State Department stressed that the Kyiv Embassy will continue to be open, and the announcement doesn’t constitute an evacuation. According to officials, this move has been in consideration for some time. However, it does not signal an easing U.S. support towards Ukraine.

According to the State Department, recent reports indicated that Russia planned significant military actions against Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry however has charged NATO nations with escalating tensions in Ukraine through disinformation.

According to the State Department, “The security situation, especially along Ukraine’s border, in Russia-occupied Crimea and in Russia controlled eastern Ukraine are unpredictable, and may deteriorate without notice.” Demonstrations can turn violent from time to time and are frequent in Ukraine, as well as Kyiv.

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Travel advice from the department, which warned not to travel to Ukraine due to Covid-19 and tensions over Russia was modified Sunday to include a more severe warning.

Do not travel into Ukraine because of the increasing threats from Russian military action or COVID-19. Due to the increased risk of crime and civil unrest in Ukraine, you should exercise greater caution. The department warned that certain areas are at greater risk.

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