THE US Embassy in Kyiv has shut down as Ukraine braces for a huge Russian airstrike.
It comes a day after Ukraine used US-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory for the first time – and Moscow warned it would “react accordingly”.
Ukraine searches for drones over Kyiv during a Russian drone strike[/caption]
The US Embassy has shut ahead of a potential air strike on Kyiv[/caption]
The US Embassy said: “Out of an abundance of caution, the embassy will be closed, and embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place.”
It “recommends US citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced”.
The UK government is also examining the security situation for Brit diplomats in Kyiv “incredibly closely”.
Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned that Moscow will respond to Ukraine’s strikes with US-made weapons deep into Russia.
Hours after the US approved Ukrainian use of its far-reaching rockets, Vlad signed a new doctrine to lower the bar for launching a nuclear strike.
Almost simultaneously, Ukrainian media reported the first use of the ATACMS missiles on Russian territory.
Ukraine’s military did not comment on the use of the weapons – but took responsibility for a blaze at a weapons depot in the city of Karachev, Bryansk, 70 miles over the border.
The Kremlin claimed Ukraine had fired six ATACMS – claiming they caused no serious damage.
The missiles – which have a range of 186 miles and are difficult to intercept – give Kyiv the ability to strike deeper into Russia.
On Tuesday, Sir Keir Starmer said Britain will not be cowed by Putin’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.
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