Jen Psaki: the State Department made a recommendation to refuse trips to Ukraine information about the Russian Federation
Jen Psaki. Photo: Kevin Lamarque / Reuters
White House spokesman Jen Psaki explained the State Department's recommendation to stop traveling to Ukraine. She stated that the document existed before, but new information was added there. Her words are quoted by RIA Novosti.
“Because of COVID-19, the recommendation to not travel to Ukraine was in effect earlier, and it remains, the Department of State updated it with a reference to the build-up of Russian military forces on the border with Ukraine just to provide additional information,” said Psaki.
She was asked if the State Department's statement meant there was new information or evidence of an escalation. A White House spokeswoman responded that the updated recommendation was evidence of “transparency” and “an attempt to provide this information directly.”
Earlier it was reported that the State Department on Monday, December 20, recommended that Americans not travel to Ukraine because of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as “allegedly increased threats from Russia.” According to the American side, Russia allegedly “is planning significant military action against Ukraine,” and the security conditions “are unpredictable and may worsen without prior warnings.”
