The US Department of State has given permission for the voluntary departure of United States civil servants and obliged their family members to leave the embassy in Kiev. This is reported by the UNN, citing a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.

"The sanctioned departure gives these employees the opportunity to go if they wish; their departure is not mandatory. Mandatory departure for family members requires families to leave the country. The status of the departure order from the U.S. Embassy will be reviewed no later than 30 days in advance," the statement said.

Note that the U.S. State Department previously decided to allow the departure of the diplomatic mission in Ukraine "as a special warning through Russia's ongoing efforts to destabilize the country and undermine the security of Ukrainian citizens and others who visit or reside in Ukraine."

"We have consulted with the Ukrainian government on this move and are coordinating with the embassies of NATO and partner countries in Kiev, and they are determining their position," the statement said.

The State Department updated the fourth danger level regarding travel to Ukraine: "do not travel because of increased threats of significant Russian military action against Ukraine."

"We continue to reaffirm our support for the Ukrainian people and take the current step because we have given to one of the State Department's highest priorities - the safety of our diplomats and the American people.

The U.S. notes that the U.S. Embassy in Kiev remains open for regular business.