Ukraine crisis: Important numbers and advice for Americans still in the nation
Late on February 23, 2022, Russia began its offensive in Ukraine with a series of missile launches, aimed at several cities including the capital of Kyiv. According to the latest reports, missiles have hit the cities of Odesa, Kharkiv, and Lviv. Russian tanks have also rolled into northern Ukraine from the Belarusian border, leading Ukraine to impose martial law all over the country.
The military action comes just a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to recognize the breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. That move led to a series of sanctions by the US and western allies, but clearly, it hasn't done much to deter Putin. The world is now rushing to react to the invasion, even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged citizens to remain calm.
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The US did warn against travel to Ukraine, and asked people to leave, issuing a level 4 warning on February 12. President Joe Biden has also so far refused to deploy the US military to conduct an evacuation of Ukraine, similar to the one that occurred in Afghanistan in 2021. It's unclear exactly how many Americans are still in the country, but as the invasion begins, it's not vital to leave Ukraine at the earliest.
How Americans can get help
If you or anyone you know is still in Ukraine then it is vital you consider leaving at the earliest. Ukrainian airspace has been closed to commercial traffic, so it's highly unlikely anyone will be able to get on a flight out of the country at the moment. According to the US Embassy in Ukraine, there are three key ways American citizens can get help. The first is to complete an online assistance form, which the State Department will use to reach out.
The second way is to call the Embassy, either at +1 833 741 2777 (from within the US) or +1 606 260 4379 (from outside the US). However, given the invasion, it's highly likely the numbers are being swarmed with calls, so if it is a real emergency you might want to reach out via email to KyivACS@state.gov. It's unknown how soon you will get a response though. The US Embassy in Ukraine has been formally closed, and all employees have since been moved to Poland, so if you need physical assistance, you will have to leave the country.
The embassy website says American citizens can still leave the nation by land and should head for one of the following nations - Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, or Moldova. The US has also established a 24-hour welcome center in Przemysl, along the Polish-Ukrainian border. It is not advised you travel to Belarus, because Russian forces have used the nation as a staging platform, and indeed moved into Ukraine from Belarus. In the situation you cannot leave the country, the embassy says you should "shelter in place" and "follow the instructions from local authorities."
The website reiterates that "the U.S. government will not be able to evacuate U.S. citizens," so it advised you turn to your local authorities for help in the event you cannot evacuate. Keep an eye on the embassy website for more updates, as more information becomes available. Alternatively, you should follow the US Embassy on Twitter at @USEmbassyKyiv or on Facebook at US Embassy Kyiv Ukraine for updates.