US shuts Kyiv embassy after 'specific information' Russia about to launch major air attack

The US embassy in Kyiv today warned American citizens to "immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced" amid fears Russia could launch and air attack

The US embassy in Kyiv has shut after it received "specific information" about Russian air attack.

The embassy said it would temporarily close its doors amid concerns Russian President Vladimir Putin could order an attack against the Ukrainian capital. It comes just days after outgoing US President Joe Biden gave Ukraine permission to launch long-range missile attacks into Russian territory.

In an X/ Twitter post, the US State Department said: " Ukraine : The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv received specific information of a potential significant air attack on Nov 20. The Embassy will be closed and recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced."

The embassy announced on its websit e the move was "out of an abundance of caution." Embassy employees have been told to shelter in place.

https://twitter.com/TravelGov/status/1859104054619636107

According to the embassy, people in the Ukrainian capital should carry out the following actions:

• 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

The Kremlin this week warned the US and its allies that Biden's move to approve long-range weapon attacks into Russia could lead to World War III. Russian politician Maria Butina, a key ally of Putin, previously said: "These guys, Biden's administration, [are] trying to escalate the situation to the maximum while they still have power and are still in office.

"I have a great hope that [Donald] Trump will overcome this decision if this has been made because they are seriously risking the start of World War Three which is not in anybody's interest." Vladimir Dzhabarov, another Russian politician and Putin ally said: "This is a very big step towards the start of World War III."

UK Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Putin to back down from his nuclear war threats. It comes after the Russian tyrant approved a new nuclear doctrine as tensions between the West and Moscow escalate.

He vowed to continue to support Ukraine and previously told Sky News: "Well, it's very important that we're steadfast in our support for Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor and Russia has to be the one that makes the move to stop this war, but we must support Ukraine. It's impacting not just Ukraine. It's impacting the rest of the world, including the UK."

US President-elect Trump has vowed to end the war within 24 hours after he takes office for the second time in January, although he has not been specific on the details. The Republican has vowed to limit American support for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared to accept the conflict would end as soon as next year. Speaking earlier this week about Trump's hopes of ending the war he said: "He explained: “This is their approach, their promise to their society, and it is also very important to them.”