Following the Ukrainian strike that targeted a Russian military depot in the town of Karachev in Russia’s Bryansk region, the U.S. embassy in Kyiv abruptly closed due to the possibility of a Russian air attack in response to yesterday’s strike.
On Monday it was announced that President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use U.S. supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) ballistic missiles to strike long-range targets inside Russia, further escalating U.S. involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated U.S. military personnel directly assisted Ukraine in carrying out the strike on the Russian military target in Karachev, operating the ATACMS missile systems. Russia’s embassy in the United States shared Lavrov’s remarks in a post on X:
The U.S. embassy in Ukraine released a Message Alert System for Citizens Overseas Tool (MASCOT) update, alerting U.S. citizens in Ukraine to be prepared to immediately take shelter in the event of a Russian attack:
Message for U.S. Citizens in Ukraine
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine (November 20, 2024)
Location: Ukraine, all districts
Event: The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20. Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place. The U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced.
Actions to Take:
– Monitor local media for updates
– Identify shelter locations in advance of any air alert
– Immediately take shelter if an air alert is announced
– Follow the directions of Ukrainian officials and first responders in the event of an emergency
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Kyiv
+380 44 521 50 00
