--- title: U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Ukraine as Tensions with Russia Mount description: There are currently 70,000–100,000 Russian troops staged in four locations near Ukraine’s borders (and in Crimea). image: https://www.globalguardian.com/hubfs/GettyImages-1253264320.jpg --- [+1 (703) 566-9463](tel:+17035669463) | [Emergency Support](https://www.globalguardian.com//emergency-support) [![GG Logo Main White](https://www.globalguardian.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GlobalGuardian_Oct2019/Logos/GG%20Logo%20Main%20White.png?width=208&height=45&name=GG%20Logo%20Main%20White.png "GG Logo Main White")](https://globalguardian.com) - [Corporate ](https://www.globalguardian.com/corporate-solutions) - [Personal ](https://www.globalguardian.com/personal-solutions) - [Government](https://www.globalguardian.com/government-solutions) - [Outcomes](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies) - [ Travel Security ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Traveler%20Security) - [ Executive Protection ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Executive%20Protection%20and%20Transportation) - [ Emergency Response ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Emergency%20Response) - [ Medical Assistance ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Medical%20Assistance) - [ Event Security ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Event%20Security) - [ Video Surveillance ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Asset%20Security) - Learn - [ Global Digest ](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-digest) - [ Newsroom ](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom) - [ Webinars ](https://www.globalguardian.com/media-room#t4) - [ Global Guardian Academy ](https://academy.globalguardian.com/) - [ FAQ ](https://www.globalguardian.com/faq) - Company - [ About Global Guardian ](https://www.globalguardian.com/about-global-guardian) - [ Executive Leadership ](https://www.globalguardian.com/executive-leadership) - [ Menu of Services ](https://www.globalguardian.com/service-menu) - [ Global Coverage ](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-coverage) - [ Contact Us ](https://www.globalguardian.com/contact) - [ Careers ](https://www.globalguardian.com/careers) [![Request Security](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2233164/aecafd49-7abe-4a80-95c2-e37dbbacda44.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2233164/aecafd49-7abe-4a80-95c2-e37dbbacda44) # U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Ukraine as Tensions with Russia Mount December 22, 2021 | [Security Alerts](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/topic/security-alerts) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Frussia-ukraine-tensions-dec2021%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Frussia-ukraine-tensions-dec2021%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Frussia-ukraine-tensions-dec2021%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Frussia-ukraine-tensions-dec2021%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=U.S.%20Issues%20Travel%20Warning%20for%20Ukraine%20as%20Tensions%20with%20Russia%20Mount) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Frussia-ukraine-tensions-dec2021%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Frussia-ukraine-tensions-dec2021%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Frussia-ukraine-tensions-dec2021%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ###### Situation update - On 20 December 2021, the U.S. Department of State declared a [“Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory” for Ukraine](https://ua.usembassy.gov/ukraine-level-4-do-not-travel/), citing “increased threats from Russia.” This warning comes amid a major Russian military buildup along Ukraine’s borders that began in late March. Starting in November, Russia began to mobilize its logistics and other military support units in a deliberate and highly overt manner, giving Moscow the ability to initiate offensive operations in Ukraine with little notice or warning. - There are currently 70,000–100,000 Russian troops staged in four locations near Ukraine’s borders (and in Crimea). U.S. intelligence assesses that this number could rapidly swell to 175,000 should President Putin make the political decision to invade Ukraine. U.S. defense and intelligence officials warn that this could happen as early as late January. - Domestically, Russia has ramped up an information campaign to help prepare its public and build a case for military action using similar tropes that were used in 2014 prior to the invasion of Crimea. - U.S. President Biden held one-on-one talks with Russian President Putin on 07 December 2021. Bilateral U.S.-Russia talks, as well as NATO-Russia Council talks, and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) meetings are set to kick off after the holidays. ###### CONTEXT  - Russian-aligned separatists and Ukrainian forces have been engaged in low-intensity conflict in eastern Ukraine since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Over 14,000 people have been killed so far and the conflict continues in a political and military stalemate. - Since the onset of 2021, there has been a radical change in Ukraine’s policy towards Russia. While at first, President Zelensky began his term open to a rapprochement with Russia, his tone has shifted and relations have since soured. - Ukraine, home to a sizeable Russian-speaking minority, is the most integral part of Russia’s “[near abroad](https://www.memri.org/reports/near-abroad-%E2%80%93-key-explanatory-concept-russian-foreign-policy?utm_campaign=Security%20Updates%20&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8FwvNxZ-0e2v_JI_rULhFXOPjcWgOYe_LuupRJz58_9EERZ-oZGv_bAbPbdBw6XTvoDt34),” a strategic buffer with the West.  ###### ANALYSIS - GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY Capabilities are much easier to interpret than intentions. In fact, it may even be possible that the Kremlin has yet to make final decisions regarding potential military action. What is clear is that the slow and visible mass-mobilization of Russian forces near Ukraine means that Russia is serious about changing the current rules of the game. Moscow is seeking to amend its relationships with NATO, the U.S., the EU, and Ukraine. To this end, Russia published draft pacts last week—a Russia-US security treaty and a Russia-NATO security treaty—demanding the following: - A blanket denial of Ukrainian admittance to NATO - Halting NATO’s eastward expansion to include other ex-Soviet republics - Compulsory Russian consent for NATO to deploy troops in former communist countries in Europe - No NATO military exercises near Russia’s borders - A pledge not to station intermediate-range missiles within range of other party’s territory What makes the situation precarious is that President Putin has backed Russia into a corner. Should he not be able to gain any commitments from NATO, then he may be compelled to order some type of military action to have something tangible to show for this gambit.  Global Guardian sees the following possible scenarios, in order of most to least likely: 1. Uniformed Russian forces entering Belarus and/or the Donbas region of Ukraine. 2. A limited military operation in Ukraine for Russia to gain access to the Dnepr-Crimea canal, securing freshwater resources for Russian-occupied Crimea. 3. A two-front assault from the Donbas and Crimea, creating a land bridge that connects the Donbas to Crimea.   4. A mechanized drive to seize the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine. 5. A full invasion on three fronts with a quick drive to capture Kyiv.  ###### Advice - Global Guardian recommends against non-essential travel to Ukraine. - Those who remain in-country should prepare emergency supplies.  ###### Support Our team can respond immediately with the following capabilities:   - Bespoke intelligence reports and briefings  - Armed or unarmed security personnel  - Satellite communications (phone and wireless internet) - Emergency medical and tele-medical support - Logistical support (food, water, generators, fuel) - Evacuation by ground, air, or sea Click below to contact Global Guardian's 24/7 Operations Center or call us directly at +1 (703) 566-9463**.** [![Request Security](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2233164/71797a38-0e6b-40f6-a22c-490cf3752bd2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2233164/71797a38-0e6b-40f6-a22c-490cf3752bd2) [** Previous Post](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/security-magazine) [Next Post **](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/covid19-update-12-16) ## Check Out Our Latest Updates [ ### Global Guardian's Zev Faintuch Featured in Newsweek TRUMP WARNS OF ‘MASSIVE ATTACK’ ON IRAN AMID QUESTIONS OVER ENDGAME Global Guardian Head of Research and Intelligence Zev Faintuch contributed analysis to Newsweek as... ](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/newsweek-july-24-2026) [ ### Major U.S. Attack on Iran Appears Imminent The situation in the Middle East continues to escalate vertically, horizontally, and rhetorically with increasing signs that the United States (U.S.) is poised to launch a... ](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/major-u.s.-attack-on-iran-appears-imminent) [ ### Conflict with Iran Escalating after Deaths of U.S. Service Members The U.S. military has now struck Iran for 10 straight days, targeting military installations threatening tanker ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and other sites in Bandar... ](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/conflict-with-iran-escalating-after-deaths-of-u.s.-service-members) ### Subscribe Here Sign up today to receive monthly articles curated by the Global Guardian team on relevant and important safety and security topics. ![ul listed](https://www.globalguardian.com/hubfs/ul-listed.png "ul listed") ![GG_CertificationFooter_Black-01](https://www.globalguardian.com/hubfs/GG_CertificationFooter_Black-01.webp "GG_CertificationFooter_Black-01") ![ndaa compliant](https://www.globalguardian.com/hubfs/ndaa2.png "ndaa compliant") ##### Solutions [Corporate Solutions](https://www.globalguardian.com/corporate-solutions) [Personal Solutions](https://www.globalguardian.com/personal-solutions) [Government Solutions](https://www.globalguardian.com/government-solutions) ##### Services [Traveler Security](https://www.globalguardian.com/#1) [Asset Security](https://www.globalguardian.com/#2) [Cyber Security](https://www.globalguardian.com/#3) [Customized Security](https://www.globalguardian.com/#4) ##### Learn [Global Digest](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-digest) [Newsroom](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom) [Case Studies](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies) [FAQ](https://www.globalguardian.com/faq) [COVID-19](https://www.globalguardian.com/covid-19-newsroom) ##### Company [About Global Guardian](https://www.globalguardian.com/about-global-guardian) [Executive Leadership](https://www.globalguardian.com/executive-leadership) [Global Coverage](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-coverage) [Careers](https://www.globalguardian.com/careers) [Licensing](https://www.globalguardian.com/licensing) ##### Talk to Us [+1 (703) 566-9463](tel:+17035669463) [Contact Us](https://www.globalguardian.com/contact) [Request Security](https://www.globalguardian.com/request-security-services) [Emergency Support](https://www.globalguardian.com/emergency-support) [Travel Agents & Affiliates](https://www.globalguardian.com/air-ambulance/travel-agents-affiliates) Stay Connected ### STAY CONNECTED Join Our Community [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-guardian-llc/) © Copyright 2026 Global Guardian. 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