The US government is not “at this time” organising the removal of American citizens from Ukraine despite rising fears of unspecified military action by Russia, a State Department spokesperson said on Saturday.
In the event matters deteriorate, however, “American citizens should not anticipate that there will be US government-sponsored evacuations,” the spokesperson said, speaking on grounds of anonymity.
“Currently, commercial flights are available to support departures.”
The State Department had already advised US citizens not to travel to Ukraine due to concerns about Covid-19. A department website also urges them “to reconsider travel due to increased threats from Russia.”
The spokesperson did not confirm media reports that families of American diplomats posted in Kiev had been ordered to begin evacuating on Monday.
In that regard, the spokesperson said, “We have nothing to announce at this time.”
Western officials say Russia has stationed as many as 100,000 soldiers near the border with Ukraine. The White House has said Moscow could launch an offensive against the former Soviet republic “at any point.”
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A satellite image shows a Russian battle group deployment in the Kursk Training Area, Russia, on December 21, 2021. Reuters -
Russian forces in Soloti, Russia, on September 7, 2021. Reuters -
A satellite image shows Russian forces in Soloti, Russia, on December 5, 2021. Reuters -
Russian forces in Soloti, Russia, on September 7, 2021. Reuters -
A satellite image released by Maxar Technologies shows Russian armoured units training in the Pogonovo Training Area near Voronezh, Russia, on November 26, 2021. Reuters -
A satellite image released by Maxar Technologies reportedly shows Russian ground forces deployed at the Opuk Training Area on December 22, 2021. AFP -
Russian ground forces deployed at the Opuk Training Area on December 22, 2021. AFP -
A satellite image of a Russian troop location in Soloti, Russia, provided by Maxar Technologies and taken on December 5, 2021. AP -
A Russian troop location in Bakhchysarai, Russia. AP
The Kremlin denies having any hostile intentions but has said any de-escalation near the Ukraine border will depend on guarantees of no further Nato enlargement — particularly involving Ukraine — and on a reduction of the allied presence in Eastern Europe.
