US warns of risk of unrest in Ukraine

US warns of potential unrest in Ukraine

The US State Department has warned Americans about possible unrest in Ukraine. The Foreign Policy Office is advising its citizens not to travel to the country, according to an updated advisory on the department's website.

The agency has updated its travel advisory for Americans, adding civil unrest to the list of risks. The advisory was expanded on August 28. However, the overall risk level remains at Level 4 ("Do Not Travel"), the highest level.

The department advises Americans already in Ukraine to monitor the situation. They should be prepared to leave the area quickly if necessary. US citizens are also advised to heed air raid warnings, be aware of nearby shelters, and stay away from demonstrations and crowded areas.

The US Embassy in Kiev remains open. However, staff are prohibited from traveling outside the capital. US government employees must obtain special permission to travel outside of Kiev. The State Department does not allow family members of employees to stay in Ukraine.

The document states that Ukrainian airspace remains closed to US civil aviation. Martial law restrictions, including curfews and document screening, are in effect in some areas.

In May, the US Embassy in London urged Americans to be vigilant after the UK raised its terror threat level. They were advised to be more vigilant in public places, monitor the news, and avoid attracting undue attention.

It also urged US citizens to leave the Middle East in early August. That is, on August 1, US embassies in Middle Eastern capitals warned American citizens of an “unexpected escalation” in the regional war and urged them to be prepared to leave the area.

The warning was posted on the websites of US embassies in Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a day after US President Donald Trump threatened to hit Iran hard.