Coronavirus and protests: the State Department has raised the level of danger of travel to Ukraine and Russia

The US State Department has set a third alert level for travel to Ukraine due to the spread of coronavirus and outbreaks of violence. Writes about this "Voice of America".

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On its official website, the department recommends "reconsidering your visit to Ukraine due to COVID-19" and "increasing your vigilance due to crime and social anxiety" in Ukraine.

“Reconsider the possibility of traveling to Ukraine due to COVID-19. Please use increased caution due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas are at increased risk," it says. on the website of the Department of State.

“Protests, which sometimes turn violent, occur constantly throughout Ukraine, including Kyiv. Political assassinations and bombings also occurred. There are reports of violent attacks by radical groups against minorities,” the US State Department said in a statement.

On the eve of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States announced a message on the third level health hazard in Ukraine, in connection with the spread of the coronavirus there.

“Ukraine has lifted the stay-at-home order and partially resumed transport and business operations,” the State Department explains its decision.

In addition, the US Foreign Office reminds Americans not to travel to Crimea and eastern Ukraine through Russian occupation and armed conflict.

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“Do not travel to Crimea due to arbitrary detentions and other abuses by Russian occupation authorities, eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, especially those outside government control, due to armed conflict,” the State Department said in a statement.

Do not travel to Russia

Last week, the US Department of State canceled the fourth level global message on the danger of travel to all countries, which was introduced on March 19 this year due to the danger of the spread of coronavirus.

Despite the cancellation, the United States has increased the risk of travel in Russia to the fourth level.

“Do not travel to Russia due to COVID-19. Please exercise extreme caution due to terrorism, persecution and arbitrary enforcement of local laws,” the department wrote. “Travelers to Russia may face border closures, airport closures, travel bans and other emergencies in Russia due to COVID-19.”

The State Department also urged to be especially wary of Chechnya and Crimea, as well as a possible unforeseen terrorist attack.

“Do not travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping and the risk of civil unrest. Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the territory of Ukraine and abuses by the occupation authorities,” the State Department wrote. — Terrorist groups, as well as individuals inspired by extremist ideology, continue to plan possible terrorist attacks in Russia. Terrorists can attack without warning, targeting tourist sites, transportation hubs, local government offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports and other sites.”

US citizens, including former and current US government officials and military personnel who visit or reside in Russia, have been arbitrarily interrogated or detained by Russian officials and may become victims of harassment, abuse and extortion.

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Russia imposes special restrictions on persons with dual citizenship of the United States and Russia and may refuse to recognize dual citizenship, including denying consular assistance to detainees with dual citizenship and preventing them from leaving Russia.

Due to the downsizing of US diplomatic personnel in Russia imposed by the Russian government, the US government has postponed the provision of services to US citizens.

Protests in Belarus and the level of danger

Despite ongoing protests in Belarus after the presidential elections, the US State Department has not yet changed the level of danger of the country. Belarus has level 3 — it’s worth reconsidering your visit to the country. Since the State Department update was made on August 6, there is no mention of protests or clashes in the recommendations.

“Belarus has lifted isolation decrees and resumed transport and opened businesses. Please follow normal precautions in Belarus,” the State Department said in a statement.

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