Ukraine crisis: US moves embassy from Kyiv to Lviv

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Monday, February 15, that due to the rapid increase in the number of Russian military forces on the Ukrainian border, the country's embassy in Kiev will be moved to the city of Lviv, located in western Ukraine.

The move comes as US officials have warned that Moscow is continuing to build up its military presence near the Ukrainian border, with the possibility of an attack on its neighbor looming at any moment. Moscow has denied any plans to invade Ukraine, despite deploying more than 100,000 troops to the border.

"An attack on Ukraine could be accompanied by widespread violence and destruction, and death makes no distinction between Americans and Ukrainians or anyone else," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said at a press briefing.

Mr. Blinken also stated in his statement that the decision to move embassy services to Lviv, about 80 kilometers from Ukraine's western border with Poland, was made with the security of embassy staff in mind.

So far, most US embassy staff have been ordered to leave Ukraine, and American citizens have been advised to leave the country by any means necessary.

Antony Blinken emphasized that the relocation of the embassy "in no way" violates the United States' support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that Ukrainian diplomats will continue to be in contact with the Ukrainian government.

He added that the United States will continue to pressure Moscow to find a diplomatic solution.

However, Ned Price told reporters that "it's not clear to us whether Russia is interested in pursuing a diplomatic path."

Referring to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's statements during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Moscow would continue its diplomatic efforts to obtain security guarantees from the West, he said that Washington is aware of these statements and is considering them.

"What we haven't seen so far is the slightest sign of de-escalation by Russian forces," Mr. Price added.

Among the things Russia has demanded from the West in return for security guarantees is that Ukraine not join NATO. Ukrainian officials have rejected this demand.

Source: Radio Farda