US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Monday that the United States has decided to close its embassy in Kyiv in anticipation of a Russian invasion of Ukraine which could occur at any time.
“We are in the process of temporarily moving the operations of our embassy in Ukraine from Kyiv to Lviv due to the dramatic acceleration of Russian force build-up,” Blinken said in a statement, noting that the Biden administration remains engaged with the government. Ukrainian government and continues "intensive diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis. »
“These careful precautions in no way diminish our support or commitment to Ukraine. Our commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine is unwavering,” said the head of American diplomacy.
“We also continue our sincere efforts to reach a diplomatic solution, and we remain engaged with the Russian government following President Biden's call to President (Vladimir) Putin and my discussion with Foreign Minister (Sergey ) Lavrov,” he added.
Blinken further noted that the path of diplomacy remains open “if Russia chooses to engage in good faith. “We look forward to returning our staff to the Embassy as soon as conditions allow.”
State Department spokesman Ned Price said at a press briefing Monday that the embassy compound was guarded by Ukrainian National Guard police and that the United States had the intention to return to the embassy "as soon as it is safe to do so".
Last week, the Biden administration urged Americans still in Ukraine to leave the country within 48 to 72 hours, raising alarm that Russia could launch an attack or invade Ukraine at any moment.
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