DEMONSTRATIONS MARKING 120TH ANNIVERSARY OF ADOLPH HITLER’S BIRTHDAY, APRIL 20, 2009

Monday, April 20, 2009, will mark the 120th anniversary of Adolph Hitler’s birthday.  A “National Socialism” march will take place at Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv on April 20 at 19:00.  There is a possibility of other demonstrations or rallies in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine to mark this event, although specific times and locations have yet to be confirmed.  If such demonstrations occur, neo-Nazi groups and Ukrainian extremist and ultra-nationalist organizations are likely to participate.  These organizations are often associated with skinhead groups or individuals involved in hate crimes against ethnic and religious minorities.   

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possible escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid these areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

In the event further information is obtained regarding this or any other security or safety situation in Ukraine, the Embassy will provide updates via this same channel and on the Embassy’s web page: http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/. American citizens who need to contact the Embassy may do so during working hours by calling American Citizens Services unit at (38-044) 490-4445 or the main Embassy telephone number at (38-044) 490-4000. The Embassy’s duty officer may be reached after hours via this same number.

U.S. Embassy in Ukraine:
10, Yuriy Kotsyubynsky St.
01901 Kyiv, Ukraine