The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv closed its doors on Wednesday, citing “an abundance of caution” after receiving specific information about a potential “significant” air strike targeting the Ukrainian capital.
Embassy Warns U.S. Citizens
In a statement, the embassy urged U.S. citizens in Ukraine to prepare to immediately shelter in the event of an air alert. The warning follows heightened fears of escalation in the ongoing war, particularly after Ukraine launched U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles toward Russian targets for the first time earlier this week.
Escalation Fears Amid Nuclear Threats
Tuesday’s missile strike, which Russia claims to have intercepted, coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin signing an updated nuclear doctrine. According to a Kremlin spokesperson, the doctrine now permits a nuclear response to Western-made missile attacks on Russian territory.
The U.S. Department of Defense sought to downplay the development, with Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh describing Russia’s nuclear rhetoric as “irresponsible” and consistent with its behavior over the past two years. Singh added there is no indication that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine but noted the Kremlin’s “escalatory actions,” including the deployment of North Korean soldiers in support of Russian forces.
Widespread Drone Attacks Overnight
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched 122 drones overnight, targeting multiple regions, including Kyiv. At least 56 of the drones were intercepted and destroyed, but missile strikes also hit the Dnipro region in the southeast and Chernihiv and Sumy regions in the northeast. An anti-aircraft missile was also fired toward Kharkiv.
Ukrainian officials dismissed concerns about Putin’s nuclear threats, with Inna Sovsun, a member of Ukraine’s parliament, stating on social media, “Anyone asking Ukrainians if they’re afraid of Putin escalating clearly hasn’t woken up to the sound of hypersonic missiles exploding over their cities.”
Kremlin Accuses U.S. of Prolonging the Conflict
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused the Biden administration of prolonging the war in Ukraine during its final months in office. “They are doing all they can to extend the conflict,” Peskov told Russian media on Wednesday.
As tensions continue to rise, Kyiv remains on high alert, and the international community closely monitors the potential for further escalation in the region.
