Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

US embassy in Ukraine urges American citizens to leave country amid Russia tensions

The embassy urged Americans in Ukraine ‘to consider departing now using commercial or other privately available transportation options’

Eric Garcia
Wednesday 26 January 2022 11:53 EST
Comments
New shipment of Russian military equipment arrives in Belarus amid Ukraine tensions

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The United States’ Embassy in Ukraine urged all American citizens to leave Ukraine on Wednesday because of the increased threat of Russia invading in the country.

“The US Embassy urges US citizens in Ukraine to consider departing now using commercial or other privately available transportation options,” a message from the embassy said. “US citizens wishing to depart Ukraine currently have multiple options via commercial flights from all Ukrainian international airports.”

The embassy said it would remain open to process US passports and reports of citizens’ births abroad, as well as to provide repatriation for citizens who cannot afford to purchase a commercial ticket.

The announcement comes after the US issued a travel advisory earlier this week that ordered eligible family members of diplomats leave Ukraine and authorised the voluntary departure of US direct employees.

The move comes as Russia has amassed 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine. The United States has placed 8,500 troops on heightened awareness.

President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he would consider sanctioning Vladimir Putin, but added that US troops would not go into Ukraine.

“We have no intention of putting American forces or putting Nato forces in Ukraine but as I said, there are going to be serious economic consequences” he said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in