US President Joe Biden yesterday urged American citizens to leave Ukraine immediately, and warned about potential major conflict with Moscow should US and Russian troops engage each other on the ground.

“American citizens should leave now,” Biden said in an interview with NBC News.

“We’re dealing with one of the largest armies in the world. It’s a very different situation and things could go crazy quickly,” the president said.  

“Do not travel to Ukraine due to the increased threats of Russian military action and Covid-19; those in Ukraine should depart now via commercial or private means. If remaining in Ukraine, exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and potential combat operations should Russia take military action. Some areas have increased risk,” the US State Department said in a travel advisory yesterday.

On January 23, the State Department authorised evacuation of US diplomats’ family members and of direct hire employees. The State Department also recommended that US citizens who were present in Ukraine should consider departing right away due to unpredictable security situation.

Earlier in February, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that it is estimated that some 6,600 US citizens permanently live in Ukraine in October while some news outlets reported that there are at least 30,000 Americans in the country. – AFP, February 11, 2022.