US Embassy in Ukraine emergency message to Americans

[The Straight Story]

Last edited Tue Feb 18, 2014, 04:09 PM - Edit history (1)

U.S. Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Protest Related Violence Escalating February 18, 2014 The U.S. Department of State informs U.S. citizens of the increased l risks of travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing political unrest and violent clashes between police and protesters. February 18 has seen a sharp escalation in violence between protesters and police. The Ukrainian Security Services have announced that following today’s violence they may take extraordinary measures beginning this evening (February 18).

The Embassy advises all Citizens to maintain a low profile and to remain indoors tonight. The Kyiv Metro (subway) has been shut down and access into Kyiv by road has, according to credible reports, been restricted. Protest-related violence, particularly in Kyiv, escalated sharply on February 18, resulting in several deaths and hundreds of injuries. Protesters remain in Kyiv’s Independence Square and several government buildings in Kyiv and other cities throughout Ukraine. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings and to remain inside in the evening. U.S. citizens whose residences or hotels are located in the vicinity of the protests are cautioned to leave those areas or prepare to remain indoors, possibly for several days, should clashes occur.

The situation in Ukraine is unpredictable and could change quickly. Further violent clashes between police and protesters in Kyiv and other cities are possible. The location and nature of demonstrations and methods employed by the police can change quickly and without warning. Protest sites have drawn large crowds, and protesters have blocked roads in Kyiv and other cities and may do so again.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Ukraine enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Ukraine. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.

1.usa.gov/1jOy1PD

[SummerSnow]

1. What they really are saying is "stay home"

[MysticHuman]

2. Thanks for sharing this ..my Daughter lives only 3 blocks away

from the protests. I have been telling her for the last few weeks she needs to come back to the U.S. for a few months. She is a social media manager for an international company so she has the ability to do her job as long as she is connected to the internet.

She messaged me yesterday that the TV stations were down and the internet maybe next.

Let's hope the ALL the leaders come to their senses and resolve this peacefully.

MH

[sufrommich]

3. How frightening. I hope your

daughter stays indoors and safe.

[MysticHuman]

7. She has been...

She has told me her employer has an emergency plan in place. They have allowed all employees to stay home as most can do their jobs in the safety of their homes.

I of course am concerned about my Daughter but she is a big girl and I am proud of her for trying to make the world a better place. At the moment that happens to be in Ukraine.

She and her friends have taken food and water to the protesters in the past although lately she has been keeping a low profile.

MH

[sufrommich]

8. I would like to congratulate you on being a

much calmer parent than I ever was.

[MysticHuman]

9. Well...

I have to say.... when I heard of the deaths of 9 protesters today I started to cry. I realize that she is in a very hostile environment at the moment...yet she is an adult and a very competent and intelligent one. She is on her own journey, here to experience all that this incarnation can teach her. I am just proud of her for being who she is and trying to make this world a better place. At this moment it is in Kiev with good people of Ukraine.

MH

[sufrommich]

10. You sound like a fabulous parent,I'll bet you have a lot to

do with who she is now. Please update us when you can.

[MysticHuman]

11. Thanks

I will...

[geek tragedy]

4. for once, a State Department travel advisory isn't exaggerated.

[mnhtnbb]

5. DU'er MattSH is less than a mile away

and posted these photos this a.m.


http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1036&pid=26878


Hope you're ok!

[MattSh]

6. Oops, missed that one...

Today was our wedding anniversary and we already had plans, so out we went.

But my wife is a lifelong resident here, so she know her way around.

[mnhtnbb]

12. Glad to hear you are ok.