US Closes Kyiv Embassy Amid Warnings Of Major Airstrike Threat
In response to intelligence indicating a significant airstrike threat to Kyiv, the U.S. embassy in Ukraine shut down operations on Wednesday morning, marking a critical moment in the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The embassy ordered its personnel to shelter in place and advised American citizens in Ukraine to do the same, citing intelligence about a potential large-scale air attack.
The decision to evacuate embassy staff and close the compound in western Kyiv reflects growing concerns over Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukrainian cities. While air raids have been a constant threat throughout the war, this specific warning of a “significant” attack is considered rare, prompting action from both the U.S. and European governments.
In addition to the U.S. embassy, Spain and Greece closed their diplomatic missions in Kyiv on the same day, while the UK government is reportedly weighing whether to follow suit. British officials have stated they are closely monitoring the situation, noting that the escalating threats could impact the safety of diplomats and citizens in the region.
The closure of the U.S. embassy also comes amid a shift in U.S. military policy. Just a day earlier, Ukraine launched an ATACMS missile — supplied by the U.S. — into Russian territory. This move has drawn sharp criticism from Kremlin officials, who warned that such actions would be treated as a direct provocation. The use of advanced weapons like the ATACMS signifies a change in the U.S. strategy, which had previously limited support to Ukrainian strikes within contested regions of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air defences successfully intercepted dozens of Iranian-made Shahed drones and missiles launched by Russia overnight, although fears of further escalation remain. The situation in Kyiv remains fluid, and with diplomatic facilities now under heightened security, the global community watches closely as tensions mount.
