US embassy in Ukraine urges American citizens to leave country amid Russia tensions

The embassy urged Americans in Ukraine ‘to consider departing now using commercial or other privately available transportation options’

The United States’ Embassy in Ukraine urged all American citizens to leave Ukraine on Wednesday because of the increased threat of Russia invading in the country.

“The US Embassy urges US citizens in Ukraine to consider departing now using commercial or other privately available transportation options,” a message from the embassy said. “US citizens wishing to depart Ukraine currently have multiple options via commercial flights from all Ukrainian international airports.”

The embassy said it would remain open to process US passports and reports of citizens’ births abroad, as well as to provide repatriation for citizens who cannot afford to purchase a commercial ticket.

The announcement comes after the US issued a travel advisory earlier this week that ordered eligible family members of diplomats leave Ukraine and authorised the voluntary departure of US direct employees.

The move comes as Russia has amassed 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine. The United States has placed 8,500 troops on heightened awareness.

President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he would consider sanctioning Vladimir Putin, but added that US troops would not go into Ukraine.

“We have no intention of putting American forces or putting Nato forces in Ukraine but as I said, there are going to be serious economic consequences” he said.