Russia has revised its nuclear policy, lowering the threshold for nuclear retaliation to include certain conventional attacks. (X/ConflictDISP)
World News: Amid escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US Embassy in Kyiv announced a temporary closure on November 20 following specific intelligence of an impending large-scale air attack. The decision underscores growing fears of a significant escalation in the ongoing war.
In a statement by the US Department of State’s Consular Affairs, officials said, “Out of an abundance of caution, the embassy will be closed, and embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place.” The embassy further advised US citizens in Ukraine to prepare for potential air raid alerts and take necessary safety measures.
Ukraine: The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv received specific information of a potential significant air attack on Nov 20. The Embassy will be closed and recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced. https://t.co/ah0bpDfULK pic.twitter.com/m8cWXCXT2V
— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) November 20, 2024
The announcement comes just after Ukraine deployed US-supplied ATACMS missiles in a bold strike deep into Russian territory, marking the 1,000th day of the conflict. Authorized by outgoing President Joe Biden's administration, the missile attack signals a significant shift in Kyiv’s strategy.
In response to Ukraine’s missile strike, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised an "appropriate" reaction. Notably, Russia has revised its nuclear policy, lowering the threshold for nuclear retaliation to include certain conventional attacks. This move follows Moscow's repeated warnings to Western nations about supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons. Russia has cautioned that such actions could prompt it to consider NATO members, including the US, Britain, and France, as direct participants in the war, heightening the stakes of the already volatile conflict.
Amid mounting pressure, President Biden approved the provision of anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine to strengthen its defences against Russia’s advancing troops in the eastern Donbas region. This decision is seen as a controversial last-ditch effort to bolster Ukraine’s position before Donald Trump potentially assumes the presidency in January.
Meanwhile, Russia has launched its largest offensive in months, with an estimated 50,000 troops, including North Korean soldiers, targeting fortified Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region. Moscow is also intensifying drone and missile strikes on Ukraine’s cities and power grid, aiming to weaponize winter conditions for the third consecutive year.
US officials, citing concerns over Russia's recent battlefield gains, have emphasized the strategic importance of providing Kyiv with advanced weaponry. The long-range ATACMS missiles and land mines are expected to play pivotal roles in countering Russian advances.
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