Fearing Russian attack, US closes embassy in Kyiv

The United States closed its embassy in Ukraine’s Kyiv on Wednesday after receiving information of a possible air attack.

In an official statement released for the US citizens in Ukraine on Wednesday, the US embassy in Kyiv said it had received specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20. “Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place,” it said.

‘Be prepared to immediately shelter’

“The US Embassy recommends US citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced,” the statement further said.

The US citizens in Ukraine have been asked to identify shelter locations in advance of any air alert, monitor local media for updates and follow the directions of Ukrainian officials and first responders in the event of an emergency.

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Warning after Ukraine used ATACMS missiles to strike targets in Russia

The warning comes a day after Ukraine used US-made ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia after the outgoing Biden administration lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s use of the ATACMS on the war’s 1,000th day.

On Sunday, US President Joe Biden authorised the use of US-supplied long-range missiles by Ukraine to strike Russian targets, aiming to help Kyiv defend itself while also trying to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

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After reports of approval from Biden came in, Zelenskyy said that strikes are not carried out with words and neither are such things announced. “Missiles will speak for themselves,” he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in response, approved the revisions to Moscow’s nuclear doctrine. The new policy expands the scope of when Russia can use nuclear weapons.

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Putin-approved policy also allows the use of nuclear weapons in retaliation against any significant conventional assault on Russia, including drone attacks.

For months, Moscow has been warning the West that if Washington allows Ukraine to fire US, British and French missiles into Russia, it would consider those NATO members to be directly involved in the war in Ukraine.

With inputs from agencies.