US embassy in Kiev closes due to possible airstrike threat

On November 20, 2024By Pranco

MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) – The US embassy in the Ukrainian capital Kiev was closed on Wednesday due to a possible threat of an air strike.

“The U.S. Embassy in Kiev has received specific information regarding a potentially significant airstrike on November 20. As a precaution, the embassy will be closed and embassy employees will be instructed to take shelter on site,” the embassy said in a statement. Security alert issued Wednesday.

The US diplomatic mission in the Ukrainian capital has recommended that US citizens be prepared to take shelter immediately in case an air raid alert is announced.

They have also been advised to identify shelters in advance of an air raid siren and to follow directions from Ukrainian officials and first responders in the event of an emergency.

Air raid sirens sounded several times in Kiev since midnight, reports say.

Ukraine’s military intelligence has said that a Russian command post was attacked in the town of Gubkin, Belgorod region.

Russian forces have stepped up attacks on Kiev since September, forcing residents to seek shelter.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday approved the delivery of anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concern that his country will “lose” the war against Russia if Washington cuts its military aid, an apparent reference to the new Trump administration’s expected change in Kiev’s armaments policy.