Amid the abrupt closure of Western embassies in Kyiv, the Ukrainian media space has been in a real panic over a possible missile attack on Ukraine. Let's find out what's really going on, what to prepare for, and what fakes the russian side is spreading

Join important causes and bring victory closer together with Visit Ukraine

CHALLENGE

The US Embassy in Kyiv issued a warning to its citizens this morning about the threat of a major air attack on Ukraine on 20 November. The embassy itself announced that it was closing its doors to visitors for security reasons.

Shortly after the US announcement, three other diplomatic missions announced closures: Greece, Spain and Italy. At the same time, the German and British embassies continue to operate, but in a limited way.

Why did the countries decide to close their embassies?

Against the backdrop of American warnings, information began to circulate online that the russian army was planning to test its new intercontinental missile, the RS-26 Rubezh. Analysts suggested that this could happen during a massive drone and missile strike.

At the same time, Ukrainian media noted that the fears of diplomatic agencies are definitely not related to the nuclear threat after russia updated its nuclear doctrine.

The Defence Express military analytical portal claims that a strike with a Rubizh missile is unlikely, otherwise Western media would have noticed the preparations for it. In addition, the russians allegedly have no reason to strike with this expensive missile when they have a stockpile of other weapons, including Kinzhal and Zircon.

Meanwhile, the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine stated that russia was conducting an information and psychological attack against the backdrop of the closure of embassies in Kyiv. Pro-russian telegram channels launched a fake news story that in the afternoon, the russian army would strike at Ukraine's strategic targets, including power facilities and gas storage facilities.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful materials? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Could embassies become a russian target?

According to the British TV channel Sky News, putin may have decided to intensify air strikes against Ukraine after the United States allowed Kyiv to use its long-range missiles against russia.

At the same time, according to British analysts, Western embassies could become targets for russian missiles, as the Kremlin may violate the right of inviolability of foreign diplomatic institutions.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry criticises Western decision

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is in constant contact with partners regarding potential security threats. It recalled that the threat of shelling by the aggressor state has been, unfortunately, a daily reality for Ukrainians for more than a thousand days.

On this 1,001st day of the full-scale invasion, the threat of Russian shelling is as relevant as in the previous thousand days. In this regard, our partners should respond accordingly, without any additional information injection, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

‘We ask all citizens of Ukraine to remain vigilant, not to neglect air raid warnings and to take cover in case of danger - as every time there is a threat of Russian missile attack,’ the Foreign Ministry added.

How to prepare for a missile threat?

Ukraine has been under constant shelling from russia for almost three years now, so every citizen knows that in the event of an air raid alert, the best solution is to take shelter in a bomb shelter. At the same time, foreign citizens should familiarise themselves with the following information:

- You can hear the air raid alert in all cities of Ukraine in case of air danger. However, we advise you to install the Air Alert mobile application from the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine for iOS and Android.

- You should know in advance where there is a shelter or bomb shelter near you. You can find a list of shelters here.

- Before travelling to Ukraine (or upon arrival), we recommend taking out an insurance policy covering military risks. 

We remind you! Russian dictator vladimir putin has changed the nuclear doctrine, establishing new conditions for the use of nuclear weapons. And now it threatens not only nuclear countries.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.