Ukraine – Political Unrest

US citizens advised to defer all non-essential travel to Ukraine during the transition period following the departure of the President from Kyiv on Feb. 22 and while a new government is formed. U.S. citizens in Ukraine, and those considering travel to Ukraine, should evaluate their personal security situation in light of political instability and the possibility of violence, particularly in Kyiv and areas of eastern and southern Ukraine. Dozens of armed men in military uniforms seen patrolling the grounds of Simferopol Airport in the regional capital of Crimea, amid heightened tensions. Men are said to be armed with assault rifles, going in and out of the control tower. It is not immediately clear who the men are nor the reason for their presence at the airport. Airport said to be operating as normal still. While the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv’s Consular Section is open for public services, the Embassy’s ability to respond to emergencies involving U.S. citizens throughout Ukraine is limited.