Wed Nov 20 09:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Kyiv Embassies Close Amid US Warning of Major Russian Air Attack
**Kyiv, Ukraine –** The US Embassy in Kyiv announced a closure today following a warning of a potential large-scale Russian air attack. The Greek and Spanish embassies also closed for security reasons, mirroring the US action. This unprecedented closure, even after over a thousand days of war, underscores escalating tensions.
The US alert comes on the heels of several significant developments: the first use by Ukraine of US-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike deep inside Russia, a major escalation approved by President Biden; and the first-ever US approval of sending anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, a move criticized by human rights groups.
These actions followed President Putin’s updated nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for nuclear weapons use, which the US called “irresponsible rhetoric,” though stating there’s no indication of imminent nuclear use. The Kremlin, meanwhile, confirmed the hotline between the US and Russian presidents is not currently in use.
Concerns are heightened by the near-daily drone and missile attacks Kyiv has endured in recent weeks and reports that nearly 11,000 North Korean soldiers may be deployed to the Kursk region to aid Russia. While the US Embassy’s closure reflects the gravity of the threat, the lack of communication between the US and Russian presidents adds to the uncertainty. The potential impact of a future Trump administration on US support for Ukraine further complicates the situation, with some Ukrainian officials expressing concern about a potential shift in US policy towards a negotiated peace with Russia. The coming winter will also add further strain to civilians facing disrupted services and dwindling resources, humanitarian workers warn.
First Piper 