The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine has urged Americans in the country to be careful during planned LGBT prides in a number of Ukrainian cities.
“Annual Pride events will soon begin in Ukraine, including in Odesa on Aug. 28, Kharkiv on Sept. 12, and Kyiv on Sept. 19. A strong police presence including road closures and checkpoints is expected, which will likely inhibit travel and movements around these areas,” the embassy’s press service.
The embassy also said the likelihood of violence increases in areas where events are held, as they have attracted negative attention from extremist groups.
“These groups have previously disrupted Pride events in Ukraine through counterdemonstrations and physical assaults, and they may incite violence during this year’s events as well,” the embassy said.
The U.S. citizens are urged to avoid crowds and demonstrations, to be careful around major gatherings or protests, to behave with restraint, and to stay tuned to local media.
