The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, has closed its doors after receiving an issued warning Tuesday about a “potential significant air attack” expected to take place on Wednesday. Employees have been instructed to prepare to shelter in place.
The statement advised U.S. citizens in Kyiv to remain vigilant, recommending they monitor local media, identify nearby shelters, and immediately seek safety if an air alert is announced. The embassy also stated that Ukrainian officials and first responders’ instructions should be followed during emergencies.
The warning follows escalating tensions after Ukraine launched American-supplied long-range missiles into Russian territory on Tuesday, an action authorized by President Biden days earlier. This marks the first use of such missiles by Ukraine in the ongoing war.
Russia responded sharply to the missile strikes. President Vladimir Putin signed an updated nuclear doctrine, declaring that any attack on Russia involving a nation with nuclear capabilities could justify a nuclear response.
The embassy’s alert mirrors a similar warning issued before Ukraine’s Independence Day on August 24, a time also marked by heightened threats. As the war reaches 1,000 days, both sides appear to be intensifying strategies, raising concerns about further escalations.
U.S. citizens in Ukraine are urged to prioritize their safety amid the heightened risk.
