State Department orders diplomats' families to leave US embassy in Kyiv amid Russia tensions
ABC News
The State Department has ordered diplomats’ families to depart the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, amid tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
The State Department ordered diplomats' families Sunday afternoon to depart the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, amid heightened fears of a Russian attack on the country.
The embassy has also authorized non-emergency employees to depart, according to an internal cable obtained by ABC News.
In an updated travel advisory issued later Sunday, the State Department confirmed the drawdown and urged U.S. citizens in Ukraine to consider departing the country now using commercial flights.
"These are prudent precautions that in no way undermine our support for, our commitment to Ukraine," a senior State Department official said Sunday. The department made the decision now "based on this military buildup, based on how we see these developments," they added, calling it the "right moment."
