Tensions Escalate as US Embassy in Kyiv Shuts Down Amid Air Attack Fears.
In a concerning development amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the United States has shut down its embassy in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. This decision comes after the US embassy received “specific information of a potential significant air attack” scheduled for November 20th.
In an official statement, the US embassy in Kyiv announced that it would be closing down its operations “out of an abundance of caution.” Furthermore, the embassy has instructed its employees to take shelter in place.
The statement also urged US citizens in Ukraine to identify safe shelter locations in advance and follow the directives of local authorities in the event of an emergency.
The embassy’s closure comes a day after Ukraine reportedly used US-made ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) long-range missiles to strike targets within Russian territory. This move was authorized by the outgoing Biden administration, which lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s use of the ATACMS as the war entered its 1,000th day.
Following reports of the Joe Biden administration’s approval, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that strikes are not announced with words, and “missiles will speak for themselves.” In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved revisions to Moscow’s nuclear doctrine, expanding the scope of when Russia can resort to nuclear weapons, including in retaliation against significant conventional attacks.
The US embassy’s decision to close its operations in Kyiv underscores the heightened tensions and the potential for further escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Moscow has repeatedly warned the West that allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike Russian targets would be considered a direct involvement in the war.
