Both US & Russia Evacuate Embassies In Ukraine As Crisis Enters Uncharted Territory
update(2/12 8:23amET): In the overnight and early Saturday morning hours, both the US and Russians appear to be drawing down and evacuating their embassies in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev in what’s the most ominous sign yet that military confrontation could be on the horizon.
“The United States is set to evacuate its embassy in Kyiv as Western intelligence officials warn that a Russian invasion of Ukraine is increasingly imminent,” The Associated Press reports Saturday. “U.S. officials said the State Department plans to announce early Saturday that virtually all American staff at the Kyiv embassy will be required to leave ahead of a feared Russian invasion.”
“A small number of officials may remain in Kyiv but the vast majority of the almost 200 Americans at the embassy will be sent out or relocated to Ukraine’s far west, near the Polish border, so the U.S. can retain a diplomatic presence in the country.” The US Embassy confirmed it has ordered all non-essential staff to depart the country immediately, also all US national in the country have been urged to leave.
“Military action may commence at any time and without warning,” the US has said.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry too has confirmed it’s reducing its diplomatic presence in the country, including its embassy and consulates. A statement says Moscow fears “possible provocations from the Kyiv regime or third countries” that could “seriously complicate the security situation.”
We are indeed entering uncharted territory with this ratcheting situation, which escalated in earnest with Friday afternoon accusations from the White House that Russia will invade within days…
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update(5:12pmET): Both the US and Russian sides have confirmed that Biden and Putin are scheduled to hold an urgent phone call Saturday at the request of Washington. The White House earlier said it is “trying to stop a war”.
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