The foreign minister of Ukraine has pushed back on America’s announcement to evacuate family members of embassy members in Kiev, along with the voluntary departure of some government employees, calling the action “premature.”
“While respecting the right of foreign nations to decide on safety and security of their diplomatic missions, we consider that this step by the U.S. is premature and stems from excessive caution,” Foreign Minister Oleg Nikolenko said in a statement on Monday.
“There were no radical changes in the security situation lately: the threat of new waves of Russian aggression remains present since 2014, and Russia’s build-up of the military capacity along Ukraine’s borders started last April,” he added.
The statement also urged calm for U.S. citizens seeking to leave Ukraine.
“We urge to keep calm regarding the recommendations for the U.S. citizens to register their travel plans on the State Department website. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine also recommends that Ukrainians traveling abroad register in a similar ‘FRIEND’ system. It is a regular international practice to maintain consular relations with its citizens,” Nikolenko wrote.
Nikolenko also accused Russia of seeking to “destabilize” Ukraine through the use of misinformation.
“The Russian Federation is currently taking active efforts to destabilize the situation in Ukraine. A large amount of misinformation, manipulation and fakes are spreading in Ukrainian and international media in order to cause panic among Ukrainians and foreigners, intimidate business and undermine the economic and financial stability of our state,” the foreign minister wrote.
Despite the strong words against America’s evacuation plans, Nikolenko continued to express hope for a diplomatic solution and thanked the U.S. for its assistance.
“The President of Ukraine, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and all Ukrainian diplomatic service are now consolidating the unprecedentedly high support of Ukraine from international partners in order to deter Russia from its aggressive actions and ensure the security of Ukrainian citizens and the state,” the foreign minister said.
“In this context, we are particularly grateful to the US Government for its proactive diplomatic position and for strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities, including the provision of weapons and equipments,” he added.
The Biden administration announced on Sunday that the U.S. would not be in a position to evacuate American citizens if Russia invade Ukraine.
“Given that the President has said military action by Russia could come at any time, the U.S. government will not be in a position to evacuate U.S. citizens.” Biden’s State Department said, according to Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin. “So U.S. citizens, currently present in Ukraine should plan accordingly.”
From State Dept call: “Given that the President has said military action by Russia could come at any time. The US government will not be in a position to evacuate US citizens. So US citizens, currently present in Ukraine should plan accordingly.” Arrange commercial flights.
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) January 24, 2022
The Daily Wire previously reported:
The news came as the Biden administration ordered the families of all American personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine on Sunday to immediately leave the country.
“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 department said. “Do not travel to Ukraine due to the increased threats of Russian military action and COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Ukraine due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk.”