US govt. advisory asks citizens going to Ukraine to ‘draft wills’, ‘take DNA tests’

The US government in its latest travel advisory has asked the American nationals wishing to travel to crisis-stricken Ukraine to draft their wills and take DNA tests.

The advisory issued by the US Department of State on Tuesday comes as Russian forces continue to make rapid advances in the former Soviet republic two weeks after announcing the operation.

“If you are not currently in Ukraine but choose to disregard the travel advisory not to enter Ukraine, you should consider taking the following steps prior to travel,” the advisory states.

The steps mentioned include “drafting a will” and “designating appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney”, as well as discussing plans with families, among other things, about “funeral wishes”.

“Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States,” reads the advisory.

“Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.”

Over two million Ukrainians seek refuge in neighboring European states: UN

The UN refugee agency says more than two million people from Ukraine have crossed into other European countries since Russia launched a military offensive against Ukraine on February 24.

It further states that the US Department of State suspended operations at its embassy in Kiev on February 28, 2022 “until further notice”.

“The security situation throughout Ukraine is highly volatile, and conditions may deteriorate without warning,” the advisory issued on Tuesday notes.

“US citizens should remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the military operation on February 24, claiming to target the Ukrainian military infrastructure.

 Russian forces have been made significant advances across the country, overrunning the city of Kherson and besieging the port of Mariupol, among other areas.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, over 300 civilians have been killed and more than 700 have been injured since the start of the conflict.

It has so far displaced more than two million people in what the United Nations has described as the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.

On Tuesday, Russia said it has opened humanitarian corridors for civilians to leave the besieged areas.

On Tuesday, a senior US official admitted that Ukraine hosts “biological research facilities,” expressing concern that they could come under the control of Russian forces.

“Ukraine has biological research facilities, which in fact we are now quite concerned Russian forces may be seeking to gain control of, so we are working with the Ukrainians on how they can prevent any of those research materials from falling into the hands of Russian forces should they approach,” Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland, said during a Senate hearing on Ukraine.

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