The U.S. closed its embassy in Kyiv on Wednesday, citing specific intelligence of a potential air attack amid rising tensions with Russia. The embassy advised citizens to prepare to shelter during air alerts, which are frequent due to Russian missile and drone strikes. The move coincides with escalating U.S.-Russia friction following Ukraine’s reported use of American long-range missiles to target Russian territory. Russia intercepted five ATACMS missiles and labeled the strikes a Western “escalation.” Moscow amended its nuclear doctrine, broadening scenarios for nuclear weapon use in response. Russia’s intelligence chief warned NATO against supporting deep strikes on its territory.
