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The US Embassy in Kiev
Photo: ARIS MESSINIS / AFP
The US government had already reduced embassy staff in Kiev due to the escalation of the Ukraine crisis.
Now the business of the diplomatic mission is being relocated near the Polish border – for security reasons.
Accordingly, the remaining embassy staff will be relocated from the capital Kiev to the city of Lemberg (Lviv).
The reason for this is the "dramatic acceleration of the build-up of the Russian armed forces," as Foreign Minister Antony Blinken announced.
The US Embassy will continue to work with the Ukrainian government.
"We are also continuing our intensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis." The "precautionary measures" would in no way undermine US support for Ukraine.
"Our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering."
Embassy staff already reduced to "absolute minimum".
The US State Department had already said on Saturday that the staff at the embassy in Kiev would be reduced "to an absolute minimum".
A few employees would be relocated to Lemberg in the west of the country.
In the city near the Polish border, consular services would still be offered for emergencies.
The US State Department had already ordered the families of diplomats to leave the US embassy in Kiev at the end of January.
It was also said at the time that employees who were not immediately needed could leave the country voluntarily.
In the message, Blinken again called on US citizens in Ukraine to leave the country.
"We urge all US citizens remaining in Ukraine to leave the country immediately." Blinken emphasized that the only reason for the measure to move the diplomats to Lviv was concern for the safety of the employees.
"For me, there is no higher priority than the safety of Americans around the world, and of course that includes our colleagues."
kim/dpa/Reuters
