White House discouraging Americans from fighting in Ukraine

The White House is discouraging Americans from traveling to Ukraine and joining the fight against the Russian invasion, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for help.

“Ukrainians have shown their courage and they are calling on every resource and lever they have to defend themselves. We applaud their bravery, however our travel advisory remains. U.S. citizens should not travel to Ukraine,” deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters when asked for the White House’s position on Americans who might travel to Ukraine.

Zelensky on Sunday urged all “citizens of the world” to go to Ukraine to join the fight against Russia’s invasion. On Tuesday, Ukraine temporarily lifted visa requirements for foreign volunteers to enter the country. 

Jean-Pierre referred to the State Department’s travel advisory when asked if her comments were advising Americans to not go and join the fight.

“Again, the State Department issues travel advisories and warnings to help Americans make the most informed decisions about their safety, so that’s what I would refer you to,” she said. 

The State Department on Thursday issued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory, which said U.S. citizens in Ukraine should leave immediately and Americans should not travel to Ukraine, citing the armed conflict and COVID-19.

Hundreds of British volunteers are expected to go Ukraine to help fight, Sky News reported, and many arrived in the country on Tuesday. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has expressed her support for British citizens going to Ukraine.