Inflation, unemployment, and the breakdown of the country's social fabric have contributed to an ever-increasing violent crime rate. Crime in general is a growing problem. Criminals increasingly view Westerners and their residences as choice targets. Pick pocketing, robbery, and other petty crimes are a common occurrence on the mass transit system. Special care should be taken on the subways, buses, trams, and other means of mass transportation. Americans should avoid traveling alone, particularly via mass transit and at night.

A number of racially motivated assaults and incidents of harassment have recently been reported. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of at least two assaults on African-Americans. These attacks do not seem to be premeditated or related. The areas around the U.S. Embassy in Kiev, including Unification Park, which was the sight of one of the attacks, are used as gathering points for "skinhead" groups, who have targeted individuals of African or Asian heritage in the past. Persons of African or Asian descent, including American citizens, are subject to frequent stops and searches by local police ("militia"). There are several credible reports that such incidents have led to harassment and physical abuse. To minimize the risk of an incident with local law enforcement authorities, Americans should carry photocopies of their passports at all times. Under Ukrainian law, individuals may be detained for up to three hours while their identity documents are being verified. If stopped and detained, Americans should attempt to comply with all instructions from law enforcement officers, but also make it clear that they are American citizens and that they wish to contact the U.S. Embassy. Any incidents should be reported to the Embassy immediately.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov>.

While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Ukrainian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Ukraine are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.