Ukraine has sharply criticized the closures and preventive measures taken by several embassies in Kyiv, accusing them of amplifying Russian efforts to spread fear among the population.
The moves by the United States and European countries to shutter or restrict their diplomatic missions in response to warnings of a potential large-scale air attack have drawn backlash from Ukrainian officials, who warn that these actions risk feeding into Russia’s psychological warfare tactics.
Threat of retaliation following use of ATACMS in Russia
On November 20, 2024, the US Embassy in Kyiv warned of a potential significant air attack, prompting it to close and issue advice to US citizens to prepare to shelter immediately if an air alert occurs.
“The US Embassy in Kyiv has received specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20,” it said in a notice to US citizens in Ukraine. “Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place.”
The US government also recommended citizens in Ukraine stay informed via local media and identify nearby shelters.
Other embassies in Kyiv have also taken precautionary measures.
Spain and Italy suspended consular services, urging their nationals to follow security instructions and seek shelter if necessary. The Greek Embassy closed to the public, advising citizens to avoid travel. The French Embassy, while open, warned of an “increased risk of airstrikes” and urged French citizens to exercise heightened vigilance.
At 13:52 local time, an air raid alert was briefly declared in Kyiv and several other regions, with the Ukrainian Air Force citing a missile threat. The alert was lifted after approximately 40 minutes.
Russia has promised a “proper” response following Ukraine’s use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles against military targets on Russian soil on November 19, 2024. These strikes occurred just one day after US President Joe Biden removed restrictions on the use of these weapons, which had previously been limited to Ukraine’s territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by signing a decree that expands Russia’s nuclear options. The Kremlin has signaled that the war has entered a “new phase,” with the potential for even more intense and dangerous developments in the coming days.
Ukraine authorities warn of Russian information and psychological attack
On his Telegram channel, Andri Kovalenko, the head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation, accused Russia of trying to stir up panic after the announcement of the embassies:
“[Russians] stocked up on missiles, prepared aviation, the navy. They relied on cruise missiles and ballistics, as well as drones to exhaust air defense. These plans are not unexpected, they are known and they were warned about them. […] In terms of information, they are also trying to shake panic moods against the background of the closure of embassies.”
Ukraine’s intelligence agency warned Russia was spreading fake information about an impending significant attack to spread fear.
“A message about the threat of a “particularly massive” rocket-bomb attack on Ukrainian cities is being spread through messengers and social networks, allegedly on behalf of the GUR,” it warned in a statement. “The enemy, unable to subjugate Ukrainians by force, resorts to measures of intimidation and psychological pressure on society.”
