Blinken announces relocation of U.S. embassy operations in Ukraine from Kyiv to Lviv

WASHINGTON. Feb 15 (Interfax) - The United States is temporarily relocating its embassy operations from the capital Kyiv to the western city of Lviv, citing concern for the safety of embassy staff, and U.S. diplomats will return to Kyiv as soon as it becomes possible, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday.

"We are in the process of temporarily relocating our embassy operations in Ukraine from our Embassy in Kyiv to Lviv due to the dramatic acceleration in the buildup of Russian forces [near Ukraine]," Blinken said in a statement circulated by the Department of State.

"We look forward to returning our staff to the embassy as soon as conditions permit," he said.

Blinken said that he ordered such measures to ensure the safety of U.S. embassy staff.

The embassy will remain engaged with the Ukrainian government and will continue efforts to de-escalate the crisis around Ukraine, he said.

"We also continue our sincere efforts to reach a diplomatic solution, and we remain engaged with the Russian government following [U.S.] President Joe Biden's call with [Russian] President Vladimir Putin and my discussion with [Russian] Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov," Blinken said.

The path for diplomacy remains available if "Russia chooses to engage in good faith," he said.

Blinken once again urged any remaining U.S. citizens in Ukraine to leave the country immediately.