Staff Instructed to Seek Shelter After Ukraine Uses U.S. Missiles Against Russia
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has been temporarily closed following a credible airstrike threat reported on Wednesday, November 20, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Affairs office.
“For an abundance of caution, the embassy will be closed, and embassy staff have been instructed to shelter in place,” the statement said. The U.S. Embassy further advised American citizens to be prepared to take shelter immediately should an airstrike warning be issued.
This alert comes one day after Ukraine launched U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles into Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The U.S. administration, under President Joe Biden, recently authorized the use of these long-range missiles, signaling a major shift in support for Ukraine on the thousandth day of the ongoing war.
Russia has repeatedly warned the West that if Washington allowed Ukraine to target deep within Russian borders using U.S., British, or French-made missiles, Moscow would consider NATO members directly involved in the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated this threat in October, asserting that Moscow would respond to Ukrainian attacks using Western-supplied weapons with retaliatory strikes on Russian soil.
On Tuesday, November 19, Putin lowered the threshold for nuclear response, indicating that Russia could resort to nuclear weapons in retaliation for a broader range of conventional attacks. The escalating tensions between Russia and the West have reached levels not seen in more than fifty years, raising fears of nuclear conflict.
What Caused the U.S. Embassy to Close?
The closure of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv follows an increased threat of aerial bombardment, with Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles against Russian targets drawing sharp responses from Moscow. The U.S. government has urged citizens in Ukraine to remain vigilant and be ready to seek immediate shelter in the event of further attacks.
Implications of the Escalating Conflict
The recent missile strikes, coupled with Russia’s growing nuclear threats, signal a dangerous escalation in the war. Putin’s remarks indicate that Russia may escalate its retaliation tactics, including potentially broadening its response to include nuclear weapons in the event of further attacks on its territory.
