US Shuts Kyiv Embassy During Threat Of “Potential Significant Air Attack”

A convoy of cars leaves the U.S. embassy, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 20, 2023. REUTERS/Vladyslav Musiienko/File

BUCHAREST, November 20, 2024 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News ) – The United States shut its embassy in Kyiv on Wednesday due to “specific information of a potential significant air attack” and told its citizens in Ukraine to be ready to swiftly seek shelter.

The unusual warning come a day after Ukraine used U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory, taking advantage of newly granted permission from the outgoing administration of U.S. President Joe Biden on the war’s 1000th day.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the embassy will be closed, and embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place”, the U.S. department of State Consular Affairs said in a statement on the U.S. embassy’s website.

Russia pounded the Ukrainian power grid with 120 missiles and 90 drones on Sunday, causing damage to the power system and killing seven people in an attack that renewed fears over the durability of the hobbled energy network.

The embassy in Kyiv urged U.S. citizens in Ukraine to have reserves of water, food and other essentials such as required medications for the event of a “possible temporary loss of electricity and water” caused by Russian strikes.

“Persistent Russia attacks targeting civilian infrastructure throughout Ukraine may result in power outages, loss of heating, and disruption of municipal services”, it said.

Russia head been wearing the West for months that if Washington allowed Ukraine to fire U.S., British and French missiles deep into Russia, Moscow would consider these NATO members to be directly involved in the war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in October that Moscow was working on different ways to respond if Washington approved Ukraine strikes with U.S. – made weapons deep into Russia.

[REUTERS]