The US State Department has issued written recommendations urging Americans to stop traveling to Ukraine due to the coronavirus pandemic and “increased threats from Russia”.
“The State Department continues to advise American citizens not to travel to Ukraine because of COVID-19, and to review travel [to this country] due to increased threats from Russia. Exercise extreme caution due to crime and civil unrest”, reads a document posted on the agency’s website.
The State Department added that US citizens “should remember that security conditions, especially along Ukraine’s borders in Crimea and in eastern Ukraine, are unpredictable and could deteriorate without prior warning.”
“US citizens who decide to go to Ukraine should be aware that Russia’s military action anywhere in Ukraine will seriously affect the US Embassy’s ability to provide consular services, including helping US citizens leave Ukraine,” the State Department said.
It is noteworthy that the American authorities had previously recommended that the citizens of the United States refrain from traveling to Ukraine, but for the first time Washington included in these recommendations “the threat of an attack from Russia.” In addition, the State Department stressed that crimes against foreigners and their property are regularly committed on Ukrainian territory.
“Demonstrations, which are sometimes accompanied by violence, are regularly held throughout Ukraine, including in Kiev. Politically targeted killings and bombings have also been reported. There are reports of violent attacks by radical groups on minorities and the police”, the ministry said.