US embassy in Kiev closed due to possibility of ‘significant air strike’ by Russia (Image credit: Reuters)

The US embassy in Kiev announced its closure on Wednesday and issued a warning of a “significant airstrike” by Russian forces, prompting employees to shelter in place.
The embassy stated on its website: “The US Embassy in Kiev has received specific information regarding a possible significant air strike on November 20. Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed and Embassy employees are being instructed to remain where they are.” . “The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens be ready to take shelter immediately in the event of a weather alert.”
The US State Department consular affairs confirmed the closure in an official statement and advised all US citizens in Ukraine to exercise caution and follow certain protocols.
“As a precautionary measure, the Embassy buildings will remain closed and Embassy personnel have been instructed to seek shelter immediately. The Embassy advises US citizens to be prepared to take shelter immediately in the event of an airborne alert,” the statement said.
The Embassy recommended the following security measures to assist U.S. citizens in the region:

Tension increased after ATACMS attacks

The warning came after recent escalations as Ukraine deployed weapons supplied by the United States. ATACMS missiles Entry into Russian territory within the scope of the new authority given by the outgoing Biden administration. This deployment marked the 1000th day of the conflict, increasing tensions between Russia and the West.
Russia has previously warned Ukraine that it would consider NATO members directly involved if it was allowed to deploy American, British or French missiles deep into Russian territory.
In response to Ukraine’s long-range ATACMS attack on a Russian military facility, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a change in Russia’s nuclear doctrine that lowered the threshold for nuclear deployment in cases of perceived aggression supported by nuclear energy.
Under the new policy, Russia can now target a non-nuclear state if it is allied with a nuclear-armed state that carries out actions within the territory of Russia or its allies.
Meanwhile, Kiev’s military administration reported early Wednesday that Ukraine’s air defense systems responded to Russia’s air strike on the capital. Witnesses reported multiple explosions consistent with air defense activities as Kiev braced for possible further tensions.