US Embassy in Kyiv temporarily closes due to 'potential significant' Russian strike on Nov. 20
Editor's note: The article was updated with comments from a military source for the Kyiv Independent and a statement by Ukraine's intelligence agency.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said it had received "specific information" about a possible major Russian aerial attack on Nov. 20, urging U.S. citizens to be ready to take shelter.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place," the statement read.
The warning comes shortly after Russia launched one of its largest combined missile and drone attacks on Nov. 17, firing 210 drones and missiles.
Other embassies, including those of Italy, Spain, and Greece, suspended operations for the day due to security concerns shortly after the announcement by the U.S. Embassy.
Ukrainian soldiers were also alerted about a potential Russian mass ballistic missile attack on Nov. 20, a source in the Ukrainian military told the Kyiv Independent.
"According to intelligence reports, a massive missile attack using ballistic missiles is possible today," a message received by Ukrainian soldiers said.
At the same time, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) warned on its Telegram channel that Russian intelligence services are amplifying the panic by spreading fake messages in messengers and social media about the supposedly upcoming attack.
The agency showed one message about the attack spread in messengers and social media, saying it was "fake and contains grammatical errors typical for Russian psychological operations."
"The enemy, unable to subjugate Ukrainians by force, resorts to measures of intimidation and psychological pressure on society. Please be vigilant," the statement read.
"Do not ignore air raid signals—it is safer to wait in a shelter. However, we urge you not to panic."
The Kyiv Independent's military source clarified that the aerial strike threat remains relevant, but Russia is carrying out a parallel psychological operation to sow panic.
Russia has ramped up the frequency of its drone strikes against Ukraine over the past few months, with air raid alerts sounding off in the capital nearly on a daily basis. As a result of an overnight drone attack on Nov. 20, debris fell in the Dniprovskyi district of Kyiv, starting a fire, officials reported.
Moscow's forces also launched a number of deadly attacks against Ukrainian cities and towns in the past week, including Odesa, Sumy, and Hlukhiv in Sumy Oblast.
Six Russian missile carriers capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles are currently deployed in the Black Sea, the Navy warned in the morning.
Sonya Bandouil
