From Sunday, February 13, the U.S. Department of State suspends all consular services at the U.S. embassy in Kyiv due to the increased threat of Russia’s military invasion.
This is stated on the official website of the State Department.
According to the U.S. Department of State, there are continued reports of a Russian military build-up on the border with Ukraine, indicating the potential for significant military action against Ukraine.
“The security conditions, particularly along Ukraine’s borders, in Russia-occupied Crimea, and in Russia-controlled eastern Ukraine, are unpredictable and can deteriorate with little notice. Demonstrations, which have turned violent at times, regularly occur throughout Ukraine, including in Kyiv,” the message reads.
Therefore, as of Sunday, February 13, 2022, the Department of State suspended consular services at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.
It is stated, that the Embassy will maintain a small consular presence in Lviv, Ukraine to handle emergencies, but will not be able to provide passport, visa or routine consular services. U.S. citizens are suggested to seek these services at U.S. Embassies in neighboring countries.
A day before, on Saturday, the Department of State ordered the departure of most U.S. direct-hire employees from Embassy Kyiv due to the continued threat of Russian military action.
“U.S. citizens should not travel to Ukraine, and those in Ukraine should depart immediately using commercial or other privately available transportation options… If remaining in Ukraine, exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and potential combat operations should Russia take military action. Some areas have increased risk,” the message reads.