MOSCOW, August 30 (RIA Novosti) - US Department of State issued a statement warning US citizens against all travel to Ukraine’s eastern and other troubled regions due to escalating fighting between militia and the Kiev forces.
"The Department of State warns US citizens of the risks of travel to eastern Ukraine due to ongoing violent clashes between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk," said in the statement.
The warning also spread on travels to the Crimean Peninsula, and the regions of Odessa, Kharkhiv, Zaporizhia and Kherson.
"These Russian-supported groups have taken on a more strident anti-American tone, especially in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. US citizens who choose to remain in conflict areas should maintain a low profile and avoid large crowds and gatherings," the statement read, referring to the independence supporters in the southeast, who accuse the United States of supporting Kiev's forces.
"The situation in Ukraine is unpredictable and could change quickly. US citizens throughout Ukraine should avoid large crowds and be prepared to remain indoors and shelter in place for extended periods of time should clashes occur in their vicinity," the Department of State said.
In mid-April, Kiev launched a military operation against independence supporters in the southeast of Ukraine after they refused to recognize the legitimacy of the coup-imposed government.
Moscow has repeatedly condemned Kiev’s military campaign against independence supporters in the east of the country and urged for an immediate stop to what it referred to as "punitive operation," advocating a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
More than 2,500 people, including the victims of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crash, have been killed and more than 6,000 injured since the start of Kiev’s military operation against the militias in eastern Ukraine in mid-April, according to the United Nations.
