US orders embassy staff members to leave Ukraine

The State Department has also granted permission for the removal of the non-elebity staff and called on American citizens in Ukraine to consider leaving this country.

In a statement, the State Department said there are reports that Russia is planning a military action against Ukraine. Although Russia has denied claims it is planning to invade Ukraine, the BBC reported.

The State Department also warned Americans not to travel to Ukraine and Russia due to continued tension and “opportunity for concern of American citizens”.

A State Department official told the AFP news agency that the embassy remains open, but reiterated White House warnings that an invasion could come to “any time”. According to him, the government “will not be able to evacuate American citizens in such a case”.