Dear wardens and friends,

Local media has recently reported that Ukrainian police are hunting for a serial killer whom they believe is responsible for at least five murders.  According to media reports, the victims are women (ages 19-70) who were subjected to sexual assault before being murdered; the suspect is a male, approximately 35 years old, who may dress in a police uniform or priest’s cassock to lure his victims.  No further details are available at this time. 

The Regional Security Office (RSO) of the U.S. Embassy has confirmed with Ukrainian police that they are indeed seeking an individual whom they believe is responsible for the murders of at least five women, perhaps more.  These murders have occurred throughout the Kyiv oblast.  If the RSO receives additional information, it will be shared with the American community.  According to media reports, Ukrainian police are advising women to be especially vigilant and not to venture out alone late at night.   

As a reminder, crime is a serious problem in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine.  As the economic situation worsens, violent criminal incidents – robberies, burglaries, and assaults – are expected to increase.  The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that all American citizens exercise an increased level of security awareness and that you and your family members periodically review your personal security and residential security measures.  To call the police from a land line or cellular phone (Kyiv Star, UMC, Bee-Line operators) you should dial 102.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

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

Consular Section:
6, Mykola Pymonenko St.
01901 Kyiv, Ukraine