Mon 28 January 2022:
The US State Department announced on Monday (February 28) that it has decided to close the US Embassy in Minsk, Belarus. In addition, the State Department has authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency workers and family members from its Moscow embassy.
In a statement, the US State Department said that these steps were being taken due to “security and safety” issues.
Blinken’s statement said the U.S. had “authorized the voluntary departure (‘authorized departure’) of non-emergency employees and family members” from the embassy in Moscow.
“The Department of State continually adjusts its posture at embassies and consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, and the health situation,” Blinken said.
“We ultimately have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens, and that includes our U.S. government personnel and their dependents serving around the world,” he said.
The Ukraine conflict entered fifth day on February 28. On Monday the US took several decisions to cripple Russia’s economic might. Treasury Department banned all transactions.
“This action effectively immobilises any assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation held in the United States or by US persons, wherever located,” said the treasury.
The Biden administration estimates that the move could impact “hundreds of billions of dollars” of Russian funding. Its officials said Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Japan, European Union and others will join the US in targeting the Russian central bank.
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