Editor's Note: The following is a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv on Aug. 5 following the arrest of ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on contempt-of-court charges.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv informs U.S. citizens with the arrest of former Prime Minister Tymoshenko this afternoon, the potential for large demonstrations exists in downtown Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine over the course of the next few days. Political demonstrations in Ukraine are generally peaceful, but any demonstration can become violent with little or no warning.
We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.
You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.If you don’t have Internet access, we have a call center for updates1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
In the event we have further information to share regarding the safety and security situation in Ukraine and worldwide, the Embassy will provide updates on the Embassy’s website. You can also follow us on Facebook. American citizens who need to contact the Embassy may do so during working hours by calling the American Citizens Services unit at (38-044) 490-4445 or the main Embassy telephone number at (38-044) 490-4000. The Embassy’s duty officer may be reached after hours via this same number.
U.S. Embassy in Ukraine:
10, Yuriy Kotsyubynsky St.
01901 Kyiv, Ukraine Consular Section:
6, Mykola Pymonenko St.
01901 Kyiv, Ukraine
