The State Department authorized the voluntary departure of American diplomats and their families from eastern Ukraine on Sunday due to increased threats of Russian military action, according to the Associated Press.
In a memo obtained by the Washington Post, the State Department said that the security conditions along the borders of Ukraine and Russia are unpredictable. There are demonstrations which have turned violent at times throughout the country.
January 23, 2022, John Hudson.
The department says that the move doesn't constitute an evacuate. According to the memo, the US Embassy's ability to provide consular services, including helping American citizens leave the country, may be severely impacted by Russian military action.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian military intelligence has accused Russia of covertly sending weapons, troops, and supplies into the country's eastern territory in preparation for a large-scale invasion. Sources in the region told the news agency that Russia is recruiting mercenaries to support the pro-Russian rebels who have remained in the region.
Talks between the US and Russia have failed to de-escalate tensions.
January 21, 2022.
We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We have been clear. There is a chance that Russian military forces will move across the border. "It will be met with swift, severe, and a united response from the United States and our partners and allies," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
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