White House press secretary Jen Psaki couldn't give an exact number when she was asked on Friday how many Americans are currently in Ukraine.
"Does the president have a plan to evacuate Americans from Ukraine?" asked Fox News reporter Jacqui Heinrich at the White House press breifing.
"I know there have been a range of reports out this morning, which is probably why you're asking, Jacqui," Psaki answered.
"I will say that, one, we are already at a Level 4 travel advisory for Ukraine for COVID, and US citizens have been advised ... and should be aware of reports that Russia is planning for significant military action against Ukraine."
"We do conduct rigorous contingency planning, as we always do in the event of the security, any security situation, deteriorates [sic] in any country around the world," the Biden spokesperson continued Friday.
Psaki then referred Heinrich to another department:
"The State Department does that assessment; I would point you to them for any predictions or previews of any steps they may take," Psaki said.
Heinrich then asked Psaki: "Is there any effort right now to get a handle on how many Americans are in the Ukraine? Because I remember, in Afghanistan, that was an open question. Is the dynamic different this time?"
"It's an open question around the world. We don't put a chip in Americans when they go to countries around the world and track their movements," Psaki said.
"People can register with the State Department; that's something they do. Or they may choose not to register," Psaki further replied, adding in the response: "Or, there might be people in any country around the world who are dual citizens who haven't lived in or have never lived in the United States."
"But the State Department would certainly have the number in terms of Americans who have registered with the State Department," she concluded.
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