WASHINGTON: The United States is not "at this time" organizing the evacuation of American citizens from Ukraine despite growing fears of unspecified military action by Russia, a State Department spokesman said on Saturday.
In the event matters worsen, however, "US citizens should not anticipate that there will be a US government-sponsored evacuation," the spokesperson said on the basis of anonymity.
"Currently, commercial flights are available to support departures."
The State Department has already advised US citizens not to travel to Ukraine due to concerns about COVID-19. A department website also urges them to "reconsider travel because of the growing threats from Russia".
The spokesman did not confirm media reports that the families of US diplomats stationed in Kiev were ordered to evacuate on Monday.
In this regard, the spokesperson said, "We have nothing to announce at this time."
Western officials say Russia has deployed about 100,000 troops along the border with Ukraine. The White House has said Moscow could launch an offensive against the former Soviet republic "at any time".
The Kremlin has denied any war intentions, but has said that any de-escalation near Ukraine's border would depend on guarantees of further expansion of NATO – specifically involving Ukraine – and Allied presence in Eastern Europe. on reduction.