USA alerts citizens of potential risks of travel to Ukraine
The Embassy of the United States in Kyiv has issued a warning to U.S. citizens of the potential risks of traveling to Ukraine.
"The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the potential risks of travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing political unrest and violent clashes between police and protesters," the U.S. Embassy reported on its Web site on Saturday.
The alert reads that protest-related violence, particularly in Kyiv, has escalated sharply since January 19, resulting in several deaths and hundreds of injuries.
"Protesters have occupied Kyiv's Independence Square and several government buildings in Kyiv and other cities throughout Ukraine," the alert states.
In addition, U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the attacks on the journalists and protesters by "groups of young men, popularly called "titushky", who committed other random acts of violence in Kyiv and other cities.
"U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings," the report read.
This travel alert expires on March 24, 2014.
"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 alert states.
