The U.S. Department of State announced suspension of operations at its Embassy in Minsk, Belarus and authorized the voluntary departure of non—emergency employees of the diplomatic mission in Moscow, Russia. Website of the department says.
The statement says that the Department of State took these steps due to security and safety issues stemming from the actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
«The Department of State constantly adjusts its posture at embassies and consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, and the health situation. We ultimately have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens, and that includes our U.S. government personnel and their dependents serving around the world,» the statement says.
Today is the sixth day of fighting in Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, the Russian President Vladimir Putin announced start of a special military operation. It was regarded in Ukraine and in the West as a full-scale invasion. Severe economic sanctions began to be imposed on Russia on February 25.
The number of casualties, both among military personnel of both countries and civilians, is increasing. The number of Ukrainian refugees fleeing to Europe is growing. Protests against Russia’s actions are taking place in many countries around the world.
