The U.S. is closing its embassy in Kyiv ahead of a possible Russian invasion in Ukraine, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“We are in the process of temporarily relocating our Embassy operations in Ukraine from our Embassy in Kyiv to Lviv due to the dramatic acceleration in the buildup of Russian forces,” Blinken said in a statement Monday, per The Hill.
He stressed that the Biden administration remains engaged with the Ukrainian government and is continuing “intensive diplomatic efforts to deescalate the crisis.”
“These prudent precautions in no way undermine our support for or our commitment to Ukraine,” Blinken continued. “Our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering.”
“We also continue our sincere efforts to reach a diplomatic solution, and we remain engaged with the Russian government following President Biden’s call with President Putin and my discussion with Foreign Minister Lavrov,” he added. “The path for diplomacy remains available if Russia chooses to engage in good faith. We look forward to returning our staff to the Embassy as soon as conditions permit.”
Blinken also urged American citizens in Ukraine to register with the State Department so they can be updated on new developments.
State Department spokesperson Ned Price on Monday said that the embassy is being guarded by the Ukrainian National Guard Police and that the plan is to return to the embassy “as soon as it is safe for us to do so.”
