US Embassy Resumes Operations in Kyiv After Temporary Closure Over Airstrike Threat

A day after halting operations due to concerns about an imminent air attack, the United States Embassy in Kyiv has resumed services. The decision came following reports of a potential retaliatory strike by Moscow after Ukraine's missile offensive deep inside Russian territory.

US Ambassador Bridget A. Brink confirmed the resumption of embassy services on Thursday, advising American nationals in Ukraine to remain cautious. "We encourage U.S. citizens to monitor official Ukrainian sources for updates and be prepared to shelter in place if an air alert is announced," Brink said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The US temporarily shut its Kyiv embassy on Wednesday, a day after Ukraine utilised US-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian targets. The Biden administration had reportedly approved the use of these long-range weapons, marking a significant shift in its military support to Ukraine.

This move has intensified tensions, with Russian President Vladimir Putin allegedly authorising revisions to Russia's nuclear doctrine. In recent days, Moscow has escalated its missile strikes, targeting residential areas and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, forcing daily air alerts across the country.

The US was not alone in its precautionary measures. Several NATO member countries, including Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Spain, also closed their embassies in Kyiv, citing airstrike threats. Ukrainian officials, however, expressed frustration over the closures, urging Western allies to avoid actions that could exacerbate public panic amid the ongoing conflict.

As tensions between Kyiv and Moscow continue to rise, the situation underscores the precarious balance in international diplomacy and military strategy within the region.