U.S. Embassy in Kyiv Closes Over Potential Airstrike Threat
The United States shut its embassy in Kyiv on Wednesday, citing "specific information of a potential significant air attack." In light of this development, U.S. citizens in Ukraine were advised to prepare for the possibility of seeking shelter on short notice.
The warning follows Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory, a move authorized by the outgoing Biden administration. The attack marked the war's 1,000th day and escalated tensions between Russia and the West.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the embassy will be closed, and embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place," stated the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs on the embassy's website. The embassy further recommended that U.S. citizens be ready to shelter immediately if an air alert is issued.
Escalating Attacks on Infrastructure
On Sunday, Russia launched a massive assault on Ukraine’s power grid, deploying 120 missiles and 90 drones. The attacks killed seven people and caused significant damage, raising concerns about the stability of Ukraine's energy infrastructure as winter approaches.
The U.S. Embassy advised its citizens in Ukraine to maintain emergency supplies of water, food, and essential medications, anticipating possible temporary losses of power and water due to Russian strikes. “Persistent Russian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure throughout Ukraine may result in power outages, loss of heating, and disruption of municipal services,” the embassy warned.
Russia Poised for Further Strikes
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Security Council's Centre for Countering Disinformation, underscored the likelihood of additional Russian airstrikes. "The Russians have been stockpiling missiles for months, including Kh-101 missiles, Kalibrs, and ballistic weapons," he stated.
Heightened Nuclear Tensions
Russia has repeatedly cautioned the West against allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons for deep strikes into Russian territory, warning that such actions could be interpreted as direct NATO involvement in the conflict.
In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at developing countermeasures to such attacks. This week, he escalated tensions by lowering the threshold for a nuclear response, broadening the circumstances under which Russia might deploy nuclear weapons. The move comes amid the highest level of East-West tensions in over 50 years, raising concerns about the growing risk of nuclear escalation.
The United States shut its embassy in Kyiv on Wednesday, citing "specific information of a potential significant air attack." In light of this development, U.S. citizens in Ukraine were advised to prepare for the possibility of seeking shelter on short notice.
The warning follows Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory, a move authorized by the outgoing Biden administration. The attack marked the war's 1,000th day and escalated tensions between Russia and the West.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the embassy will be closed, and embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place," stated the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs on the embassy's website. The embassy further recommended that U.S. citizens be ready to shelter immediately if an air alert is issued.
Escalating Attacks on Infrastructure
On Sunday, Russia launched a massive assault on Ukraine’s power grid, deploying 120 missiles and 90 drones. The attacks killed seven people and caused significant damage, raising concerns about the stability of Ukraine's energy infrastructure as winter approaches.
The U.S. Embassy advised its citizens in Ukraine to maintain emergency supplies of water, food, and essential medications, anticipating possible temporary losses of power and water due to Russian strikes. “Persistent Russian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure throughout Ukraine may result in power outages, loss of heating, and disruption of municipal services,” the embassy warned.
Russia Poised for Further Strikes
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Security Council's Centre for Countering Disinformation, underscored the likelihood of additional Russian airstrikes. "The Russians have been stockpiling missiles for months, including Kh-101 missiles, Kalibrs, and ballistic weapons," he stated.
Heightened Nuclear Tensions
Russia has repeatedly cautioned the West against allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons for deep strikes into Russian territory, warning that such actions could be interpreted as direct NATO involvement in the conflict.
In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at developing countermeasures to such attacks. This week, he escalated tensions by lowering the threshold for a nuclear response, broadening the circumstances under which Russia might deploy nuclear weapons. The move comes amid the highest level of East-West tensions in over 50 years, raising concerns about the growing risk of nuclear escalation.