A view of US Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine on Feb 12, 2022.
Highlights
- Poland has agreed to help US citizens leave Ukraine by simplifying the entry procedures
- US citizens will need to present a valid US passport and COVID vaccination proof at Polish border
- US State Dept said that US was relocating some of its diplomatic personnel from Kiev to Lviv
Poland has agreed to help US citizens leave Ukraine by simplifying the entry procedures, the US Embassy in Ukraine informs.
"Poland has indicated to the US government that U.S. citizens may now enter Poland through the land border with Ukraine. No advanced approval is required. We encourage those traveling into Poland by land from Ukraine to cross at the Korczowa-Krakovets or Medyka-Shehyni border crossings," the US embassy said in a statement on Saturday (February 12).
According to the release, US citizens will need to present a valid US passport and proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the Polish border.
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"US citizens in Ukraine should be aware that the U.S. government will not be able to evacuate US citizens in the event of Russian military action anywhere in Ukraine," the embassy emphasized, urging US citizens in Ukraine to "depart immediately using commercial or other privately available transportation options."
Earlier on Saturday, the US State Department said that the US was relocating some of its diplomatic personnel from the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, to the city of Lviv amid security concerns. Both Canada and Australia said they were suspending embassy operations in Kiev and opening temporary offices in Lviv amid the escalation of the Ukraine crisis.
The German Federal Foreign Office updated its travel advice on Ukraine, calling on German citizens to terminate any non-essential stay as soon as possible. Similar advisories were issued by other countries, including New Zealand, Belgium and Finland.In the past few months, the West and Ukraine have accused Russia of a troop build-up near the Ukrainian border in alleged preparation for an "invasion."
Moscow has denied these accusations, repeatedly stating that it is not threatening anyone and at the same time expressing strong concerns over NATO's military activity near the Russian borders, which it deems a threat to its national security. Moscow has also said Russia has the right to move troops within its national territory.
(With ANI inputs)
