The US is temporarily relocating US personnel in Ukraine to Poland after Russia said it would send troops into eastern Ukraine

After Russia said it would send troops into two eastern regions of Ukraine, the US will leave the country for Poland, according to the Secretary of State.

The US moved its embassy staff from Kyiv to Lviv. Poland is a member of both the European Union and NATO.

The Department of State personnel currently in Lviv will spend the night in Poland for security reasons. They will support the Ukrainian people and the government.

—Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) February 21, 2022

The recommendation that US citizens leave Ukraine was reiterated in the statement.

The US ordered embassy staff and family members to leave the country in January. US citizens should leave as the threat of a Russian invasion grew in the East of the country, according to the Secretary of State.

The US and other countries used to have embassies in the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that his country recognized the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk. Putin said that Russia would send troops into the area.

The US and other NATO members have denounced the move. The UK Foreign Secretary said her government would announce new sanctions against Russia on Tuesday.