'Imminent Invasion' Concerns... US Closes Kyiv Embassy, Moves Westward in Ukraine

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The United States, judging that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is imminent, closed its embassy located in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on the 14th (local time) and ordered its relocation to Lviv, a western city near the Polish border.

According to the U.S. Department of State, Secretary of State Tony Blinken stated in a press release on the same day, "As Russia's military buildup at the Ukrainian border accelerates rapidly, we are in the process of temporarily relocating embassy operations in Ukraine from Kyiv to Lviv." Lviv is a city adjacent to Poland, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and is 340 miles away from Kyiv.

He confirmed, "This precautionary measure does not undermine our support for Ukraine or the U.S. government's commitment," adding, "Our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity remains steadfast." He further said, "If Russia chooses goodwill, the path of diplomacy remains open," and added, "We hope that staff can return as soon as possible." The U.S. embassy in Kyiv had previously announced that non-essential personnel had evacuated following the Department of State's instructions.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the U.S. Department of State ordered the destruction of network equipment and computer workstations and the dismantling of the embassy's telephone system. Confidential materials from the embassy are also reported to have arrived at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C.

Additionally, Secretary Blinken reiterated the call for all U.S. citizens remaining in Ukraine to leave immediately.

Meanwhile, Secretary Blinken spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on the same day to share updates on the situation. Ned Price, spokesperson for the Department of State, stated, "Secretary Blinken emphasized that although the United States' immediate top priority is supporting efforts to de-escalate tensions, any Russian military attack on Ukraine will face a swift, organized, and strong response."

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