Exclusive: As United Nations mobilizes relief efforts in western Ukraine; US Consular official says," Sarah, tell the Americans in Kharkiv as things get hot we are here for them."
One day spent outside of Kharkiv brings optimism and concern as rumors of yet another Battle of Kharkiv run rampant.
A train ride, 20 hours each way, for a meeting that lasts less than one, would seem to be a waste of time, but the information gleaned on my recent 24-hour journey to Lviv netted important information.
While much was off the record, I can state with confidence that the United States is monitoring the situation in eastern Ukraine closely, so closely in fact that on Saturday a gaggle of officials from the United States’ Warsaw embassy made the journey to central Lviv to meet with a variety of Americans on the ground in the east, myself included.
In stark terms the message from the Department of State was clear. They understand the precarious nature of Ukraine’s valiant efforts against Russian fascists and Putin’s war criminals, in and around Kharkiv, and will assist any American in need who is in the frontline city bearing witness, or arms, against Russia’s genocidal war machine.
One official was blunt, “We aren’t law enforcement. We don’t care why they are there in Kharkiv. We will be there for them in any way the State Department can be.”
The professional diplomat ended with a nod to the stark reality of the current and future dangers facing Kharkiv, " Sarah, tell the Americans in Kharkiv as things get hot we are here for them."
My weekend jaunt also revealed a massive UN presence in the defacto western capital of Ukraine. Busses, vans, and cars filled the parking lot on a recent Saturday afternoon. While their ultimate destination is shrouded in secrecy, it can be reported that multiple UN agencies were represented.
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This is great, and I am very happy to hear that the State Dept is dealing with things as they are capable of and as they should! Thank you for sharing this, Sarah!