US warns American citizens against traveling to Belarus, Moldova

WASHINGTON

The US warned American citizens Monday against traveling to Belarus and Moldova amid growing tensions over Ukraine.

The State Department cited "arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, an unusual and concerning Russian military buildup along Belarus’ border with Ukraine, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions" on its website.

It also said that US citizens in Belarus should depart immediately via commercial or private means. Washington ordered the departure of family members of US government employees from the embassy in Minsk on Jan. 31.

As for Moldova, the State Department cited "COVID-19, the unusual and concerning Russian military activity around Ukraine and the unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government.”

It also asked US citizens in Transnistria to depart immediately.

US citizens in Ukraine

The department also reiterated its call for Americans in Ukraine to leave the country immediately, saying the security situation in Ukraine continues to be unpredictable because of Russian military action near Ukraine.

"Conditions may deteriorate with little notice. US citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately using commercial or other privately available transportation options," it added.

Earlier in the day, the US said it is moving its embassy operations in Ukraine from the capital Kyiv to the country's western city of Lviv. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he ordered the measure for the safety of the embassy staff.

Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders, prompting fears it could be planning another military offensive against the former Soviet republic.

The US and its allies have warned of an imminent attack and threatened Russia with “severe consequences.”

Moscow, however, has denied that it is preparing to invade Ukraine and said its troops are there for exercises.