'Another Afghanistan': Biden slammed for 'abandoning US citizens' stranded in Ukraine
President Joe Biden drew the ire of many as the State Department issued a security alert early Thursday morning, February 24, to remind American citizens in Ukraine that the US will not be helping citizens evacuate the war-torn nation.
The announcement, which urged Americans to “remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness," echoed the Biden administration's chaotic withdrawal of US troops when the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan last year. At least 13 US servicemen and hundreds of Afghan civilians died in the process.
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The US embassy in Kyiv released a list of measures for its citizens in Ukraine in light of reports of Russian attacks on targets in several major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Mariupol.
1. If you hear a loud explosion or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover.
2. If in a home or a building, go to the lowest level of the structure with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings.
3. If you are outdoors, immediately seek cover in a hardened structure; if that is not possible, lie down and cover your head with your hands.
4. Be aware that even if the incoming missile or drone is intercepted, falling debris represents a significant risk. After the attack, stay away from any debris and monitor major news outlets for official guidance.
5. Further Russian military action can occur at any time without warning. US citizens throughout Ukraine are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space.
6. In the event of mortar and/or rocket fire, follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately.
7. If you feel that your current location is no longer safe, you should carefully assess the potential risks involved in moving to a different location.
The announcement sparked a wave of criticism from citizens back home, with one saying that abandoning Americans was Biden's "signature move."
"State Dept. tells Americans in Ukraine that they are on their own. Biden leaves everyone behind. #Ukraine," columnist Todd Starnes tweeted.
"The president said on live television that he had no plans of attending to the American citizens in Ukraine and that they should get out on their own. I don't know how to feel about the entire situation but that made me upset after the people who died being left in Afghanistan," one Twitter user wrote.
"He abandoned thousands of Americans and green card holders in Afghanistan, now this? What a coward," another fumed.
"Biden takes care of millions of illegal aliens, but ALWAYS leaves Americans behind. Democrats, the party of America Last," someone else added.
"At least he is consistent in his dereliction of duty," a comment read.
"It is his signature move," another declared.
State Dept. tells Americans in Ukraine that they are on their own. Biden leaves everyone behind. #Ukraine
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) February 24, 2022
The president said on live television that he had no plans of attending to the American citizens in Ukraine and that they should get out on their own. I don't know how to feel about the entire situation but that made me upset after the people who died being left in Afghanistan.
— Nic (@hornessed) February 24, 2022
He abandoned thousands of Americans and green card holders in Afghanistan, now this? What a coward.
— tamaralynn 🍊 (@Tamaralynn212) February 24, 2022
Biden takes care of millions of illegal aliens, but ALWAYS leaves Americans behind.
— Savannah Critical Thinker (@BasedSavannah) February 24, 2022
Democrats, the party of America Last.
At least he is consistent in his dereliction of duty.
— Patriot Educator (@PatriotEd2020) February 24, 2022
Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine has led to explosions being heard across the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin shocked the world when he announced the operation early Thursday morning. "I have made the decision of a military operation," he declared in a statement on television. Shortly after Kremlin launched an attack on Kyiv, Ukraine said it shot down five Russian planes and one helicopter in the rebel region of Luhansk. Russia later responded saying it had knocked out Ukraine's air defense assets and airbases. One person was confirmed dead in the capital, and Kremlin-backed rebels have seized control of two towns in Luhansk at the time of publication, according to Reuters.