US, Italy, Spain, and Greece Close Kyiv Embassies Amid Airstrike Threat.
In a move prompted by concerns over a “significant air attack,” the United States, Italy, Spain, and Greece have temporarily shut their embassies in Kyiv.
The closures came just hours after the US issued a warning based on specific intelligence of a possible combined missile and drone assault targeting Ukraine’s capital.
While the UK and Germany have opted to keep their embassies open, Germany has scaled back operations.
Ukraine’s intelligence services dismissed rumors of a large-scale attack as misinformation, calling it a psychological operation by Russia.
In a statement, the agency noted that false alerts about missile and bomb strikes on Ukrainian cities were being circulated online and contained errors typical of Russian disinformation tactics.
The US Department of State confirmed the embassy closure in Kyiv, urging American citizens in Ukraine to prepare for emergencies. Sheltering plans, monitoring of local updates, and adherence to instructions from Ukrainian officials were strongly recommended.
The alert follows Ukraine’s recent deployment of US-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian targets, a move made possible after President Joe Biden lifted restrictions on their use.
The supply of long-range missiles comes as the conflict marks its 1,000th day, signaling increased military support for Kyiv.
In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized adjustments to Moscow’s nuclear doctrine, allowing the use of nuclear weapons against significant conventional attacks.
Kremlin officials warned the West that supplying advanced weaponry to Ukraine could be seen as direct NATO involvement, further escalating tensions.
Russia also reiterated its opposition to a ceasefire along the current frontlines, calling such proposals unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from commenting on the US embassy’s closure but criticized Washington for its continued support of the conflict, accusing the Biden administration of working to prolong the war.
