Admin l Monday, February 28, 2022
WASHINGTON – The United States said it has suspended operations at its embassy in Minsk, Belarus and authorised voluntary departure of non-employees and family members of staff at its embassy in Moscow, Russia.
In a statement, Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken said the United States took these steps due to security and safety issues stemming from the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine.
Recall that Putin last week put his Nuclear Deterrent Force on high alert, following series of economic sanctions imposed on Russia as part of effort to halt its aggression on Ukraine.
Blinken said the Department of State continually adjusts its posture at embassies and consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, and the health situation.
“ We ultimately have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens, and that includes our U.S. government personnel and their dependents serving around the world”, he said.
