Ukraine: US State Department reiterates do not travel advisory Sept. 13 ahead of Rosh Hashanah

Event

The US embassies in Chisinau, Moldova, and Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, issued a Security Alert Sept. 13, reiterating the US State Department’s recommendation that US citizens do not travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing armed conflict with Russia. The embassies reiterated previous advice that US citizens depart Ukraine using ground transportation if it is safe to do so.

The warning has been reiterated after the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is not possible to guarantee the safety of foreign citizens in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. It precedes the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, Sept. 25-27. Hasidic pilgrims typically make pilgrimages to the Ukrainian city of Uman, Cherkasy Region, to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.

Uman is located approximately 184 km (114 miles) southwest of Cherkasy city.

Advice

Avoid traveling to active conflict zones in the Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions of Ukraine; consider leaving these areas if safe to do so. Consider deferring nonessential travel to the rest of Ukraine until the situation stabilizes, particularly in downtown areas of major cities, including Kyiv. Maintain heightened situational awareness near locations that could potentially become targets. Where air or missile strikes are occurring, shelter in place until the situation becomes clear. If officials report incoming fire, stay away from windows and exterior walls. Strictly heed the instructions of local security personnel, particularly when ordered to air-raid shelters. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.