“Today we are officially resuming operations at the US Embassy in Kyiv. The Ukrainian people, with our security assistance, have defended their homeland against the unconscious invasion of Russia, and as a result, stars and stripes are flying over the embassy once again. “We are proud and continue to support the government and people of Ukraine as they defend their country from the Kremlin’s brutal war of aggression,” Blinken said in a statement.
Blinken reflects on the US’s continued commitment to the Ukrainian government and people.
“Three months ago, we lowered our flag over the US embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, just days before Russian forces crossed the Ukrainian border to wage an unprovoked, unjustified war to elect President Putin. When we suspended operations at the embassy, we made it clear: as long as we relocate US embassy staff for their safety and security, this will in no way impede our commitment and support for the Ukrainian people, government and civil society, and our allies. and partners, “Blinken said.
Blinken noted that the administration has worked to reopen the embassy after it closed.
“We have emphasized our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, promised to continue our assistance and started working on the day we can return to Kyiv. Now that day has come, “he added.
Prior to Russia’s invasion, the United States and many other countries withdrew diplomats and evacuated embassies and consulates from Kyiv in the western city of Lviv. The State Department relocated its diplomats to Poland and shut down all diplomatic services in Lviv just before the invasion began.
Last month, after Russia shifted its goals in Ukraine from Kyiv to focus on eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky called on the countries to restore their diplomatic presence in Ukraine. Many other countries have already reopened their embassies in Kyiv, and there have been calls for the United States to follow suit.
In late April, during a visit to Kyiv, Blinken announced that the United States would return diplomats to Ukraine and they began making day trips to Lviv.
Incumbent US Ambassador to Ukraine Christina Quien and a group of US diplomats traveled to the US embassy last week for the first time since it closed. Quien remained in Kyiv before the embassy reopened on Wednesday.
Blinken did not specify how many American diplomats will work outside the embassy. He noted that additional security measures had been introduced – with “our security measures and protocols strengthened” – to protect returning US diplomats.
“We are committed to meeting the challenges ahead. The war is raging. Russian forces inflict death and destruction on Ukrainian soil every day. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes and mourn the loss of their loved ones. “With this goal in mind, we reaffirm our commitment to the people and government of Ukraine and look forward to fulfilling our mission at the US Embassy in Kyiv,” Blinken said.
This story has been broken and will be updated.
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