Ukraine crisis
US moves embassy shops from Kyiv to Lviv
View of the US Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine
© Andrew Kravchenko/AP/DPA
The US government had already reduced embassy staff in Kiev due to the escalation of the Ukraine crisis. Now the business of the diplomatic mission is being relocated near the Polish border – for security reasons.
In view of the extremely tense situation in the Ukraine conflict, the USA is relocating its embassy business from the Ukrainian capital Kiev to the city of Lviv (Lemberg) near the border with Poland. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it was a temporary precautionary measure.
The US Embassy will continue to work with the Ukrainian government. “We are also continuing our intensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.” The “precautions” would in no way undermine US support for Ukraine. “Our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering.”
The US State Department had already said on Saturday that the staff at the embassy in Kiev would be reduced “to an absolute minimum”. A few employees would be relocated to Lviv in the west of the country. In the city near the Polish border, consular services would still be offered for emergencies.
The US State Department had already ordered the families of diplomats to leave the US embassy in Kiev at the end of January. It was also said at the time that employees who were not immediately needed could leave the country voluntarily.
Foreign Minister Blinken: US citizens should “leave Ukraine immediately”
In Monday’s message, Blinken again called on US citizens in Ukraine to leave the country. “We urge all US citizens remaining in Ukraine to leave the country immediately.” Blinken emphasized that the only reason for the move to move diplomats to Lviv is concern for the safety of employees. “There is no higher priority for me than the safety of Americans around the world, and of course that includes our colleagues.”
The US government has been warning of an impending Russian invasion of Ukraine for weeks with increasing drama. US Department of Defense spokesman John Kirby told CNN on Monday about a possible Russian attack: “I think we all have to be prepared that it could happen with little or no warning.” When asked about the likelihood of an invasion, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kirby replied: “I think Mr. Putin is the only one who knows the answer to that.”
Kirby said Putin continued to gather troops in the border area with Ukraine over the weekend. The number of Russian soldiers is now well over 100,000. Putin also had “an impressive arsenal of military capabilities” should he decide to attack.
Kirby said the US continued to have “a small military presence” in the country related to the continued presence of US diplomats. In addition to State Department security forces, Marines are deployed to protect US embassies around the world. Kirby reiterated, “We will not send American troops to Ukraine to fight.” But Russia must reckon with tough economic sanctions. NATO would be united in the crisis.