20 Nov 2024 | 03:35 PM UTC
Ukraine: Greek, Italian, Spanish, and US embassies in Kyiv close due to security concerns Nov. 20
Multiple embassies in Kyiv, Ukraine, close or issue travel warnings Nov. 20 over security concerns.
Multiple embassies in Kyiv announced their temporary closure on Nov. 20 over security concerns amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Italian, Spanish, and US embassies cited specific intelligence about a possible high-intensity airstrike on the city, while the Greek Embassy noted an elevated security threat. However, the Spanish Embassy has since reopened. Additionally, the Kazakh Embassy in Kyiv issued a travel warning on Nov. 20, calling on Kazakh citizens to consider leaving Ukraine.
The above embassies and many others continue to advise against travel to Ukraine and urge heightened caution for those remaining in the country. These or other governments may issue, adjust, or retract their advisories in response to conflict developments or conditions in Kyiv. Embassy operations may also be curtailed in response to security assessments.
Liaise with trusted contacts for further information, and monitor local developments closely. Register and maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Heed all official transport and security advisories. Reconfirm the status of cross-border road routes before traveling. Travel with identification. Reconsider the need to travel to Ukraine.
The embassy warnings come after Kyiv's forces allegedly used US-supplied long-range missiles to attack a military ammunition warehouse in Russia's Bryansk Oblast on Nov. 19 and following multiple air raid warnings in Kyiv overnight Nov. 19-20. However, Ukraine's military intelligence service has reportedly warned that Russia is attempting to sow panic among the population of Kyiv by hyping up the threat of a potential retaliatory aerial attack.
Regardless of recent developments, Kyiv has faced an increased frequency of aerial attacks in recent months, and further drone or missile strikes are highly likely.
