The US welcomes a negotiated prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia that includes two US citizens captured while serving in the Ukrainian military. The United States appreciates Ukraine including all prisoners of war, regardless of nationality, in its negotiations, and we hope these US citizens will be reunited with their families. We also thank our Saudi partners for helping to drive this humanitarian initiative and facilitating the return of ten foreigners, including the two US citizens who were greeted in Riyadh this morning by our embassy team. I conveyed my gratitude to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan in a call this morning.
We reiterate that US citizens should not travel to Ukraine due to the active armed conflict and the separation of US citizens in Ukraine by Russian government security officials. US citizens from Ukraine should leave immediately, if safe, using other commercial or private ground transportation options. Americans who go to Ukraine to participate in the fighting there face great risks and the United States cannot guarantee their safety. We encourage US citizens to lend their strength to the many other opportunities available to support the country of Ukraine and its people.
