U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Ukraine, Crimea Amid Continuing Violence

The U.S. State Department warned Americans on Monday against traveling to eastern Ukraine amid the continuing conflict between Ukranian forces and Russia-backed separatists.

It likewise issued a warning against traveling to the Crimean peninsula which is still occupied by Russian military forces.

According to the State Department, clashes are continuing even after Russia-backed separatists signed a ceasefire agreement with the Ukranian government. The clashes have killed or wounded thousands of people in the affected regions.

The agency has specifically cited the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhask, considered as separatists' strongholds, as areas where travel should be deferred. Checkpoints have been set up by both separatists and Ukranian forces.

The State Department cautioned: "Individuals, including U.S. citizens, have been threatened, detained or kidnapped for hours or days after being stopped at separatist checkpoints."

"Russia-backed separatist groups have taken on an increasingly strident anti-American tone. U.S. citizens who choose to enter or remain in conflict areas should maintain a low profile and avoid large crowds and gatherings," said the agency.

Movement by foreigners to Ukraine from separatists' bulwarks have been restricted. "The Government of Ukraine has stated that foreigners, including U.S. citizens who enter Ukraine through separatist-controlled checkpoints, will not be allowed to pass through government checkpoints," the State Department said.

Foreigners entering Crimea directly from a country other than Ukraine will also be barred by Ukraine's government from entering its mainland.

U.S. authorities remained firm in declaring Russia's occupation of Crimea as unlawful even as they expect that Moscow will "take further actions in Crimea in 2015 consistent with their attempted unlawful annexation and occupation of this part of Ukraine."

The State Department warned that there have been reports of abuses against the local population by "de facto authorities in Crimea," especially those who are seen to likely challenge their authority.