Danger of a blow: following the US, the embassies of several countries in Kyiv announced their closure on November 20

Following the American diplomats, who on the morning of November 20 reported the possibility of a “significant air attack” and closed the US embassy in Kyiv for that day, several more diplomatic missions warned of the danger.

Shortly after the US State Department’s statement was released, the Spanish embassy in Kyiv said it would not provide services during the day due to the “increased risk of air attacks throughout Ukraine.” In an e-mail sent to Spaniards living in Ukraine, the embassy recommends “taking emergency security measures, following all the recommendations of local authorities and always having shelter” (the statement was quoted by the Spanish publication EFE).

“For security reasons, the Embassy of Greece will remain closed to the public today. Please avoid traveling and stay in safe places,” says the Greek diplomatic mission in Kyiv on Facebook.

The Embassy of Italy in Ukraine informs about a similar decision.

“As a precautionary measure, the embassy in Kyiv will remain closed to the public today… In the event of an air alert, all Italian citizens in the country are advised to follow the strictest risk reduction measures and immediately go to the nearest shelter,” the message said.

On the morning of November 20, the US Embassy in Ukraine reported that it had received “specific information” about a possible significant Russian air attack that day.

“As a precaution, the embassy will be closed… The embassy recommends that US citizens be prepared to take shelter immediately in the event of an airstrike alert,” said the message posted on the diplomatic mission’s website.

The embassy did not give any details about the possible strike.

The message from the embassy came after Russian President Vladimir Putin updated Russia’s nuclear doctrine on November 19, the 1,000th day of Russia’s war against Ukraine.