Alarm in Kiev: Why is the US embassy closed?

Embassy United States of America (USA) u Kiev said it had been warned of a large-scale Russian airstrike on Wednesday and would therefore be closed as a precaution.

The embassy ordered employees to go to shelters and recommended that American citizens in Kiev be prepared to take shelter immediately in case of an air alert, AP writes.

The warning was unusual for its specificity as Russian airstrikes have become a common, almost daily occurrence in Ukraine.

The warning came a day after Moscow said longer-range US-made missiles were used in a Ukrainian attack on a weapons depot in the Bryansk region after US President Joseph Biden authorized their use.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in September that if Western countries allow Ukraine to launch attacks deep into Russian territory with its long-range weapons, "it will mean that NATO countries, the US and European countries are at war with Russia."

"If so, then, taking into account the change in the very essence of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be brought to us," Putin said.

An attack on the energy system of Ukraine

Russia has recently stepped up airstrikes, launching scores of drones and missiles to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure as temperatures begin to drop.

On Sunday, Russia hit Ukraine's power grid with 120 missiles and 90 drones, causing massive damage and killing seven people.

The embassy in Kiev called on US citizens in Ukraine to stock up on water, food and other basic necessities, such as essential medicines, due to the "possible temporary loss of electricity and water" caused by the Russian strikes, writes Reuters.

"Persistent Russian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure across Ukraine may lead to power outages, disruptions to heating and municipal services," the US Embassy in Kyiv said.

Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the Security Council of Ukraine, said Russia was ready to carry out more airstrikes.

"Let me remind you that the Russians have been stockpiling missiles for a series of attacks on Ukraine for months. This includes the Kh-101 missiles that they continue to produce, as well as Kalibr missiles and ballistic missiles,” he said.