Date of publication: 15:53, 20.11.24
Category: War
Number of views: 7
Time to read: 3 min

Threat of a massive attack on Ukraine on November 20: statements from embassies, NSDC and the Kremlin

In Kyiv, the embassies of four countries are temporarily closing due to the threat of a large-scale Russian strike.

Massive attack on Ukraine / Collage TSN.ua

The embassies of the United States, Spain, Italy, and Greece in Kyiv are temporarily ceasing operations on November 20, as the U.S. mission warned of a potential massive airstrike on Ukraine that day. This information has prompted reactions from Ukraine's NSDC and the Kremlin.

Everything known about the threat of a large-scale attack on Ukraine on November 20 is detailed on TSN.ua.

U.S. Embassy warning about the attack

In the morning, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv reported receiving specific information about a potential massive airstrike on Ukraine on November 20. For safety reasons, the diplomatic mission will remain closed on that day. Employees have been instructed to shelter in place. According to The Times, the institution has already closed.

"The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has advised American citizens in Ukraine to be prepared to take immediate shelter if an air raid alert is announced," the statement reads.

The embassy’s statement includes the following recommendations:

- Monitor updates via local media.

- Identify shelter locations before any air raid alerts.

- Take immediate cover if an air raid alert is issued.

- Follow instructions from Ukrainian authorities and emergency responders in the event of an emergency.

Spanish Embassy closes operations

According to EFE, the Spanish Embassy in Kyiv has decided to temporarily suspend its operations following the U.S. Embassy’s alert. The embassy announced it would not provide services for the day due to an "increased risk of air attacks across Ukraine."

In an email to Spanish nationals in Ukraine, the embassy urged them to "take extraordinary safety precautions, follow all local authority guidance, and always ensure access to a shelter."

Italian Embassy suspends services

The Italian Embassy in Ukraine also announced a suspension of its services.

"The U.S. Embassy has published information on its website about a potential high-intensity air attack today, November 20. As a precaution, the embassy in Kyiv will be closed to visitors today," the statement on the Italian embassy's website said.

Greek Embassy to be closed

The Greek Embassy has likewise stated it will remain closed to the public on November 20 for security reasons.

"Please avoid travel and remain in safe locations," the embassy urged.

NSDC of Ukraine responds

Andriy Kovalenko, Head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation under the NSDC, commented on the U.S. Embassy’s warning about a possible attack. He recalled that the Russians have been stockpiling missiles for a series of attacks on Ukraine for months. These include the Kh-101 missiles, which Russia continues to manufacture, as well as the Kalibr missiles and ballistic missiles.

"Russian aviation and missile stocks at strategic aviation airfields, as well as warehouses, are ready for attacks. Also ships. This has already been reported before. Accordingly, this must be understood and always kept in mind. Organizations must think through security measures, and people must respond to alarms," Kovalenko's statement said.

Kremlin's reaction

Russian state propaganda outlets, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s morning briefing, reported that the Kremlin declined to comment on the U.S. Embassy's warning of a potential missile threat in Kyiv.

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