US Embassy in Kyiv closing amid threat of Russian invasion

[mystery-ak]

US Embassy in Kyiv closing amid threat of Russian invasion
By Laura Kelly - 02/14/22 02:21 PM EST

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Monday that the U.S. is shuttering its embassy in Kyiv ahead of a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine that officials are warning could happen any day.

“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, stressing 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. Our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering,” Blinken continued.


“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.”

more
https://thehill.com/policy/international/594154-us-embassy-in-kyiv-closing-amid-threat-of-russian-invasion

[mystery-ak]

US Embassy in Kyiv destroying documents as drawdown underway

The U.S. drawdown of its embassy in Kyiv has included the destruction of some immigration and travel documents as part of protocol to protect sensitive information, according to notes from a phone call between the Biden administration and Congress and shared with The Hill. 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Monday that the U.S. would shutter its embassy in Kyiv amid threats of a Russian invasion into Ukraine that officials warn could be launched at any time.

The document destruction was discussed in a call on Feb. 12 between Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Brian McKeon and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), notes of which were provided to congressional staff and obtained by The Hill. 


The documents being destroyed include green card and non-processed passport documents.

more
https://thehill.com/policy/international/594193-us-embassy-in-kyiv-destroy-documents-as-drawdown-underway

[Hoodat]

A bit premature, don't you think?