US State Department urges Americans to leave Belarus, Moldova

The US State Department has warned Americans against traveling to Belarus due to the ongoing buildup of Russian military along the Eastern European country's border with Ukraine as US officials continue to warn that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could occur as soon as this week, Report informs via The Hill.

"Due to an increase in unusual and concerning Russian military activity near the border with Ukraine, US citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region," the State Department said in the advisory.

"Potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners is also possible. Given the heightened volatility of the situation, US citizens are strongly advised against traveling to Belarus," the department added.

The advisory warned that the US government may be limited in its ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Belarus due to already being "severely limited due to Belarusian government limitations on US Embassy staffing."

The advisory came on Monday, when the US announced it was closing its embassy in Kyiv and moving operations about 500 kilometers to the west to the city of Lviv.

"These prudent precautions in no way undermine our support for or our commitment to Ukraine. Our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

The State Department also reissued a travel advisory for Moldova, which borders Ukraine to the west.

"Do not travel to Moldova due to COVID-19, the unusual and concerning Russian military activity around Ukraine, and the unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government; US citizens in Transnistria should depart immediately via commercial and private means," the department said.