US State Department issues Ukraine travel warning

Citing ‘the potential for instability,’ government urges American citizens to be aware of possibility of violence

Anti-government protesters clash with riot police in  Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, on February 20, 2014. (photo credit: AP/Sergei Chuzavkov)
Anti-government protesters clash with riot police in Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, on February 20, 2014. (photo credit: AP/Sergei Chuzavkov)

WASHINGTON — The State Department is warning US citizens to put off all nonessential travel to Ukraine, and particularly Crimea.

The department cited “the potential for instability” following the ouster of Viktor Yanukovych as president and the establishment of a new government.

Ukrainian officials say armed men described as Russian troops took control of key airports in Crimea on Friday and Russian transport planes flew into the strategic region.

US President Barack Obama spoke of “reports” of military movements inside Ukraine, and officials said the US does believe that Russia is intervening.

The State Department warns all US citizens in Ukraine, and those considering travel there, to be aware of the possibility of violence.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.

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