(Kyiv) – The U.S. embassy in Kyiv has resumed operations after a temporary closure due to airstrike threats following Ukraine’s use of U.S. missiles to target Russian territory.
The United States has reopened its embassy in Kyiv after a brief suspension of operations due to a potential airstrike threat following Ukraine’s use of U.S. missiles to target a site in Russia. While tensions rise, with both Moscow and Kyiv exchanging accusations, the embassy urged American citizens to remain alert and be prepared for sudden emergencies.
The U.S. embassy in Kyiv temporarily closed its doors on Wednesday afternoon, citing a significant air threat after Ukrainian forces used American-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike a target in Russia. The missiles, recently approved by the U.S., hit an arms depot inside Russian territory. This move triggered a sharp reaction from Moscow, which labeled the strike as a major escalation in the ongoing war.
Following the closure, U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink confirmed that the embassy resumed operations later in the day. “The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has resumed services following a temporary shelter-in-place suspension earlier today,” Brink announced on social media. She added that citizens should continue to monitor local alerts and be ready to take shelter if necessary.
The embassy closure was part of a precautionary response to the heightened threat of airstrikes. Earlier, the U.S. State Department had instructed embassy staff to shelter in place, urging all American citizens in Ukraine to be prepared for rapid action in the event of an air alert. In response to this, both the Italian and Greek embassies also shut their doors, while the French embassy remained open but advised caution.
As tensions escalated, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed the situation in a nightly video message. He condemned the spread of panic-inducing rumors, which he attributed to Russian psychological warfare tactics. These false alerts warned of massive missile and drone strikes. Zelenskiy urged his fellow citizens to remain vigilant and heed official air raid warnings. “It is always important to pay attention to air raid warnings,” he stated, referencing the ongoing threat from Russia, which continues to launch brutal attacks on Ukraine.
The situation was further complicated by a statement from Ukraine’s military intelligence body, GUR. They accused Russia of disseminating fake messages designed to spread fear and disrupt Ukraine’s defenses. These false alarms warned of an impending barrage of over 300 missiles and drones, along with attacks from Russian warships and aircraft. The GUR called on Ukrainians to stay alert and not succumb to these disinformation campaigns.
Meanwhile, Russia has warned of possible retaliation against NATO countries if they continue to support Ukraine with long-range weapons. Moscow has particularly targeted the U.S. and its allies, indicating that any further escalation, such as Ukrainian missile strikes deep into Russian territory, would be met with military consequences.
The missile strike, which hit the Russian arms depot, was part of a larger Ukrainian effort to challenge Russia’s military presence within its own borders. According to Ukrainian military sources, the operation successfully destroyed a Russian military command post in Belgorod, close to the Ukrainian border. The strike is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to target Russian infrastructure and military assets, despite the risks of provoking a more intense response from Moscow.
The closure of the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, although brief, reflects the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the conflict, now entering its 1,000th day. In addition to military threats, there is also concern over the stability of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, which continues to suffer from persistent Russian strikes. The U.S. embassy issued a reminder to its citizens to have essential supplies, including food, water, and medications, in case of prolonged power outages or disruptions caused by these attacks.
The situation remains tense as Ukraine pushes for more military aid from Western nations. On Tuesday, the U.S. announced an additional $275 million in military support for Ukraine, focused on ammunition, drones, and missiles. However, the continued flow of aid is uncertain, with the looming prospect of a new U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump potentially altering the course of American foreign policy.
As of now, U.S. officials have not adjusted their nuclear posture in response to Russia’s recent threats to lower the threshold for nuclear strikes. Despite this, the situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with constant threats of escalation and continued fighting on the front lines.