US Resumes Embassy Operations in Kyiv, Ukraine

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, which had withdrawn due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, resumed operations on the 18th (local time) in the capital Kyiv (Kiyev). It has been about three months since the embassy was closed.

According to the U.S. Department of State on the 18th (local time), Secretary of State Tony Blinken announced in a statement that "the embassy in Kyiv is officially resuming operations."

Secretary Blinken said, "A few days before Russian troops crossed the Ukrainian border for the war resulting from Russian President Vladimir Putin's unjust decision, we lowered the flag at the Kyiv embassy," adding, "We promised to continue supporting Ukraine and emphasized our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." He stressed, "We started working toward the day of returning to Kyiv, and now that day has come."

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine was closed on February 14, ten days before Russia's invasion. Accordingly, embassy personnel moved to neighboring countries such as Poland. The U.S. Department of State has also taken additional measures to enhance the safety of related staff along with the resumption of operations at the Kyiv embassy.

Secretary Blinken emphasized the continued support policy for Ukraine, saying, "The war continues to rage, and Russian troops bring death and destruction there every day. Millions of people have left their homes and are grieving the loss of loved ones," and "We are committed to facing future challenges."

At the end of last month, President Joe Biden nominated veteran diplomat Bridget Brink, the ambassador to Slovakia, as the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, a post that had been vacant for three years.