Citizens of the United States were warned by the Department of State on Friday regarding the threats of travelling to Ukraine due to the continuing conflict in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

All travels to the east of Ukraine were deferred by the State Department to ensure the safety of the American citizens who might be affected by the clash going on between Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces.

The Russian separatists have set up illegal checkpoints and were reported to kidnap civilians, including Americans for many days on end.

Ukrainian forces, on the other hand, have launched violent attacks to reclaim the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

The ongoing conflict between the countries has already created a death toll of over 1,000 with militants and civilians included. The battle has ranged from land attacks to missile launches, one of which was responsible for the July 17 downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17.

In a statement released by the Department of State, any U.S. citizens who are still in the clash area should stay in hiding to avoid being taken hostage by any of the militant groups.

U.S. citizens were also warned by the Department of State to keep away from the cities of Odesa and Kharkiv, and to postpone any travels destined for the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine.

Russian military forces remain positioned in Crimea and on the border of Ukraine near the peninsula. Reports also claim that Crimean authorities are mistreating its citizens, especially those who are against the existing state of affairs.

The Department of State warned U.S. citizens to stay out of large public gatherings and to always be prepared to go into hiding with provisions ready on hand.

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine has limited ability take action on whatever emergency may arise involving U.S. citizens since all travels of U.S. Government officials to Eastern Ukraine have been deferred.