The United States has temporarily closed its embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, citing “specific information of a potential significant air attack.” This unusual warning comes amid heightened tensions following Ukraine’s recent use of US-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia.
The US embassy issued a statement urging American citizens in Ukraine to “be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced.” The embassy also advised citizens to maintain reserves of essential supplies, including water, food, and medications, in anticipation of potential power outages and disruptions to municipal services caused by Russian strikes.
The closure of the US embassy follows reports of a successful Ukrainian strike on a Russian military command post in the Belgorod region, raising concerns about potential Russian retaliation. While Ukraine did not specify the type of weapon used in the attack, it has recently been granted permission by the outgoing Biden administration to utilize US-supplied ATACMS missiles for strikes within Russia.
Russia has repeatedly warned that such strikes would be considered a major escalation. In response to the US embassy closure, Russian foreign intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin reiterated Moscow’s commitment to retaliating against any NATO countries that facilitate long-range Ukrainian missile attacks on Russian territory.
The war in Ukraine has entered a volatile phase, with ongoing fighting in the east, the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia, and uncertainty surrounding the future of Western aid under the incoming US administration.
The recent massive Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s power grid has further heightened tensions and raised concerns about the country’s ability to withstand continued assaults on critical infrastructure.
As the situation remains tense, the US embassy closure serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks and uncertainties facing Ukraine. The international community is closely monitoring developments and urging all parties to prioritize de-escalation and the protection of civilians.
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