The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has taken note of the decision of the U.S. Department of State on the departure of family members of employees of the U.S. Embassy in Kiev and considers it premature. About this in a comment to UNN said the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleg Nikolenko.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs took note of the decision of the U.S. Department of State on the departure of family members of employees of the American Embassy in Kiev, as well as providing an opportunity for some employees to go on a voluntary basis. Respecting the right of foreign states to ensure security of their diplomatic missions, we consider such a step by the American side to be premature and a manifestation of excessive caution," the diplomat said.
According to Nikolenko, there have been no cardinal changes in the security situation in Ukraine recently: the threat of new waves of Russian aggression has remained constant since 2014, and the accumulation of Russian troops near the state border began back in April last year.
"The U.S. State Department's decision does not mean that all U.S. embassy staff will leave Ukraine now," the Foreign Ministry spokesman explained.
He noted that the embassy will continue to work fully. Members of the diplomatic mission have been given the opportunity to leave if they so wish. However, their departure is not obligatory at all.
The Foreign Ministry urges people to be calm about recommendations to U.S. citizens to register travel plans on the State Department website. Ukrainians who go abroad are also advised to register in a similar system called "Friend". - the department says it is a normal international practice to support consular communication with its citizens.
"The Russian Federation is now making active efforts to destabilize the internal situation in Ukraine. A large amount of misinformation, manipulation and fakes are spread in the Ukrainian and international media space in order to sow panic among Ukrainians and foreigners, scare businesses, and undermine the economic and financial stability of our state. In this situation, it is important to soberly assess the risks and remain calm", Nikolenko stressed.
He assured that the entire Ukrainian diplomacy, the minister and the president will consolidate the support of international partners for Ukraine in order to deter Russia from aggressive actions.
He also expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for its proactive diplomatic stance and strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, in particular the provision of the latest weapons and equipment.
We shall remind you that the day before, the US Department of State authorized the voluntary departure of US civil servants and obliged their family members to leave the embassy in Kiev.
