The US has cautioned its citizens not to fight on Ukraine’s side against Russia in the continuing conflict.
The United States government has cautioned that citizens who fly to Ukraine to fight alongside Ukrainian forces will be viewed as “mercenaries” or foreign fighters by Russians.
Ned Price, State Department Spokesperson, mentioned this during a press conference on Friday, recalling that Russia had already stated this, and added that this puts US fighters at a higher risk of abuse.
Price cautioned that US individuals who volunteer to fight on Ukraine’s side could suffer criminal prosecution, detention, or death at the hands of Russia.
The Spokesman said there are also no plans evacuating its citizens from Ukraine at any point.
“US citizens who travel to Ukraine, especially with the purpose of participating and fighting there, they face significant risks, including the very real risk of capture or death,” said, according to CNN.
“The United States, as you know, is not able to provide assistance to evacuate US citizens from Ukraine, including those Americans who may decide to travel to Ukraine to participate in the ongoing war,” Price said.
The State Department, however, said that US citizens can only assist Ukraine constructively by providing humanitarian assistance.
“We continue to urge US citizens not to travel to Ukraine for their safety, regardless of the underlying purpose,” he said.
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