NATO staff in Kyiv moved to Lviv, Brussels | TheHill – The Hill

NATO staff in Kyiv have been relocated to both Lviv, Ukraine situated in the western region of the country and the Belgian capital of Brussels, a NATO official confirmed to The Hill.

"NATO and allied countries are monitoring and assessing the situation very closely, and continue to take all the necessary measures. The safety of our personnel is paramount, so staff have been relocated to Lviv and Brussels," the NATO official said in a statement. "The NATO offices in Ukraine remain operational. We continue to call on Russia to de-escalate and choose the path of diplomacy."

It was not immediately clear how many people were relocated or how many were being relocated to each city.

However, NATO staff are not the only onesoperatingfrom Lviv; the British government, in a statement on foreign travel advice, said thatit would be relocatingits own embassy staff from Kyiv to Lviv.

The British Embassy office in Kyiv is temporarily relocating. Embassy staff are operating from the British Embassy office in Lviv, the government said in a statement.

Officials estimate that up to 190,000 Russian troops have now been amassed near the Ukrainian border, and President BidenJoe BidenAustin on potential Russian invasion into Ukraine: 'I don't believe it's a bluff' Overnight Energy & Environment Russia situation mayworsengas prices On The Money Fed puts strict limits on trades by top officials MORE announced on Friday that he now believes Russian President Vladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich PutinAustin on potential Russian invasion into Ukraine: 'I don't believe it's a bluff' Biden 'convinced' Putin has decided to invade Ukraine White House: Kicking Russia out of SWIFT unlikely to be in initial sanctions package MORE has made up his mind to invade Ukraine.

Secretary of State Antony BlinkenAntony BlinkenOvernight Energy & Environment Russia situation mayworsengas prices What next for NATO, challenge or opportunity? Biden to give Ukraine update as Russia adds troops MORE on Monday said that the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv would be closing as officials witnessed heightened military buildup near the Ukrainian border.

We also continue our sincere efforts to reach a diplomatic solution, and we remain engaged with the Russian government following President Bidens call with President Putin and my discussion with Foreign Minister Lavrov," Blinken said in a statement. "The path for diplomacy remains available if Russia chooses to engage in good faith. We look forward to returning our staff to the Embassy as soon as conditions permit.

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NATO staff in Kyiv moved to Lviv, Brussels | TheHill - The Hill