State Department Cuts Staff at US Embassy in Ukraine, Orders Some Family Members to Leave
“On January 23, 2022, the Department of State authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. direct employees and ordered the departure of eligible family members from the Embassy in Kyiv due to the continued threat of Russian military action. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should consider departing now using commercial or private transportation,” the State Department said in a statement.
The latest intelligence assessment from Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, shared with CNN this week, estimated that Russia has now deployed more than 127,000 troops to the region. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said last week that Russia was in a position to launch an invasion “at any time”.
The State Department has already issued the highest travel advisory for Ukraine, telling Americans not to travel to the country and to be aware of reports that Russia is planning significant military action against Ukraine.
US officials still don’t know what Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plans are or if he has even decided to invade. But some officials who have seen the intelligence say there is evidence that Russia is planning to try to take Kiev and overthrow the government, as CNN has previously reported.
This story has been updated with additional information.