Top Ukrainian Says Americans 'Safer In Kyiv Than Los Angeles' After State Department Withdrawal

First, the EU's foreign policy chief suggested that the US and UK have been "Dramatizing" the Ukraine situation - and won't be pulling their diplomats' families amid reports of a recent buildup of Russian forces at the Ukrainian border.

According to the report, Ukrainian officials - both current and former - say that a large-scale Russian military operation couldn't take place for "At least the next two or three weeks."

"The Zelensky confidant reportedly echoed this sentiment - saying that the Ukrainian president"does not think there's any remotely imminent threat to Kyiv," adding that "The fact that the US was the first one to announce" the voluntary departures and mandatory withdrawals - "is extremely disappointing and quite frankly these Americans are safer in Kyiv than they are in Los Angeles ... or any other crime-ridden city in the US.".

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also says it thinks the US jumped the gun.

"There is a lot of misinformation, manipulation, and fakes in the Ukrainian and international media to spread panic among Ukrainians and foreigners, scare business, undermine the economic and financial stability of our country. It is important to soberly assess risks and remain calm," he told Interfax-Ukraine.

Another Ukrainian government official told BuzzFeed News that the US move risked causing confusion in Ukraine and could lead some people here to wonder whether their government is keeping information from them or downplaying the Russian threat.

The State Department said its decision was made "Out of an abundance of caution due to continued Russian efforts to destabilize the country and undermine the security of Ukrainian citizens and others visiting or residing in Ukraine" and that the Ukrainian government had been consulted about the step.
 

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/top-ukrainians-slam-us-state-department-chickening-out-kiev-say-americans-safer-kiev