The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has issued a security warning citing intelligence about the possibility of a significant air attack against Ukraine on Wednesday. As a result, the embassy has been temporarily closed.
According to the alert, the embassy had received “specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20,” though no details were provided about the source of this intelligence. This marks the first time such a specific warning has issued by the embassy.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place,” the notice stated. “The U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced.”
The warning applies across all regions of Ukraine. The embassy advised U.S. citizens currently in the country to identify nearby shelters ahead of time and adhere to guidance from Ukrainian authorities and emergency responders during any potential alerts.
This heightened alert comes just a day after Ukraine reportedly deployed U.S.-provided long-range missiles for the first time to target sites within Russia. The strikes prompted strong condemnation from Moscow, which labeled the move a direct provocation. Tuesday also marked the 1,000th day since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
Photo credit: Artemka