US and European Embassies in Kyiv Close Amid Airstrike Threats
Embassies in Kyiv Close Due to Airstrike Threats
On November 20, the United States temporarily closed its mission in Kyiv, Ukraine, following a potential air attack threat. The US Embassy received specific information about the threat, prompting this precautionary measure. Similarly, the Italian, Spanish, and Greek embassies in Kyiv announced closures to the public after air raid sirens were activated multiple times overnight.
This situation arises amidst escalating tensions in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukraine recently marked 1000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. The Greek Embassy cited "security reasons" for its closure, while the Spanish Embassy also closed after receiving information about a possible major airstrike. The Italian Embassy stated on its website that it would close due to a high-intensity airstrike warning issued by the US Embassy, although it remains operational.
In contrast, Israel's embassy in Kyiv remains open. Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky confirmed that operations are continuing as normal.
Meanwhile, Russia reported that Ukrainian forces fired six US-produced ATACMS missiles at Russia's Bryansk region. Five were intercepted, but one caused a fire after its fragments fell in a military facility's technical zone. This incident followed outgoing US President Joe Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia, a move condemned by Russia as an escalation of tensions.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented on the attack, stating that the use of ATACMS missiles signifies a new phase in the conflict, involving Western nations against Russia.
Doubts Revealed
Embassy
An embassy is a building where diplomats from one country work in another country. It's like a special office that helps people from their home country when they are in a foreign land.
Kyiv
Kyiv is the capital city of Ukraine, a country in Eastern Europe. It's a big city where many important government buildings and embassies are located.
Airstrike
An airstrike is when military planes drop bombs or shoot missiles at a target on the ground. It's a type of attack that happens from the air.
Russia-Ukraine conflict
The Russia-Ukraine conflict is a fight between Russia and Ukraine that started in 2014. It involves disagreements over land and politics, and sometimes leads to fighting and attacks.
US Embassy
The US Embassy is the official office of the United States in another country. It helps American citizens and represents the US government in that country.
Long-range missiles
Long-range missiles are weapons that can travel a long distance to hit a target. They are used in military operations to attack faraway places.
Bryansk
Bryansk is a city in Russia, near the border with Ukraine. It's one of the places mentioned in the news about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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