Following a statement from the European Union’s foreign policy chief regarding threats from Russia, Ukrainian officials have clarified the status of the US Embassy in Kyiv. The remarks came amid heightened tensions as Russia issued warnings about potential strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
At a press briefing prior to a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Cyprus, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell addressed the situation, emphasizing the ongoing military challenges faced by Russia. He stated, “This is what Russia does. On the battlefield, they are not gaining an advantage. Therefore, they are actually escalating terrorist attacks, as this cannot be called otherwise: they create fear in society. This has not worked for four years, and I do not think it will work now.”
Regarding the status of embassies in Kyiv, Borrell noted that nearly all diplomatic missions have remained in the city, describing their presence as an act of bravery. He added, “We heard from Ukraine yesterday that all embassies have remained, except one, so this also requires courage from these embassies, but yes, all European embassies have stayed, and America has left.”
In response, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy refuted claims about the evacuation of the US Embassy. He stated, “The information about the departure of the US Embassy is not true,” during a press conference.
Additionally, an advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Dmytro Lytvyn, described the situation as “strange,” suggesting that the comments made by Borrell regarding the United States should not be interpreted by Ukraine. He noted, “Perhaps it referred to circumstances before the strike on Sunday night. We heard that American diplomats left Kyiv at that time. In any case, Ukraine is grateful to all embassies that continue to operate in Kyiv.”
In an updated statement, the US Embassy in Ukraine reaffirmed that it remains operational. A spokesperson stated, “The US Embassy is functioning as usual. There are no changes in our operations, and any reports to the contrary are false. The safety and security of US citizens is of utmost importance to the State Department, and it regularly assesses the security status of the Embassy in Kyiv.”
Ukrainian officials have clarified that the US Embassy in Kyiv remains operational, contrary to claims made by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. The embassy's status was confirmed amid ongoing Russian threats against the capital.