US Embassy in Kyiv closes amid potential Russian air attack threat
A picture shows a view of the US embassy in Kyiv on May 18, 2022, as the embassy reopens after closing it for three months due to the Russian invasion. (AFP Photo)
The U.S. Department of State’s Consular Affairs announced the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv on Wednesday, Nov. 20, citing intelligence about a possible significant air attack. This isn’t the first time that the embassy has shut its doors following warnings of potential air attacks.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the embassy will be closed, and embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place,” the State Department said in a statement.
Advisory for U.S. citizens
The embassy advised U.S. citizens in Kyiv to remain vigilant and prepared to take immediate shelter if an air alert is issued.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has 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.
The U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced.
U.S. Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine
UK government monitoring security situation in Kyiv ‘incredibly closely’
The British government has now said it is examining the security situation for its diplomats in Kyiv “incredibly closely”. Science Secretary Peter Kyle told Times Radio: “I’m not going to share details at the moment of operational matters that are on the ground in Kyiv.
“What you will what you can reassure you is that we are looking at the situation incredibly closely.
“We have very good relationships with the government in Kyiv and with the United States. We will do everything we can to keep British citizens safe.”
He added that the war “could be brought to an end instantly, if Vladimir Putin himself decided to de-escalate, rather than continually escalate the circumstances around this conflict”.
Context: Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missile
The warning follows Ukraine‘s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS long-range missiles to strike Russian territory on Tuesday. This marks a significant escalation in the conflict and coincides with the 1,000th day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, six ATACMS missiles were intercepted over the Bryansk region. If confirmed, this would represent the first deployment of the missiles by Ukraine since the Biden administration granted approval for their use.
Russia’s warning against NATO involvement
Russia has repeatedly cautioned that the use of NATO-supplied long-range missiles against its territory would lead it to consider NATO members as direct participants in the conflict.
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