The United States is closing the US embassy in Kyiv and temporarily relocating the small number of remaining diplomatic staff in the country to Lviv, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

"I have ordered these measures for one reason -- the safety of our staff -- and we strongly urge any remaining US citizens in Ukraine to leave the country immediately," Blinken said in a statement.

"These prudent precautions in no way undermine our support for or our commitment to Ukraine. Our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering," he said. "We also continue our sincere efforts to reach a diplomatic solution, and we remain engaged with the Russian government following President Biden's call with President Putin and my discussion with Foreign Minister Lavrov."

"The path for diplomacy remains available if Russia chooses to engage in good faith. We look forward to returning our staff to the Embassy as soon as conditions permit," Blinken added.

The State Department has ordered the destruction of network equipment and computer workstations, as well as the dismantling of the embassy's telephone system, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials. These steps make the embassy in Kyiv unsuitable for use as a diplomatic facility.