The temporary closure of embassies in the face of air strike warnings was criticized by Kiev
The embassies of the United States, Italy and Spain in Kiev, capital of Ukraine, reopened this Thursday (21.Nov.2024). They had been temporarily suspended on Wednesday (Nov 20) after warnings of Russian air strikes on Ukrainian territory.
Or notice of “significant air strike” took place 1 day after Ukraine carried out attacks on Russian territory with long-range missiles manufactured by the United States. The use was authorized by US President Joe Biden (Democratic Party).
The temporary closure of embassies was criticized by Ukraine. A spokesman for the country’s Foreign Ministry said Western allies should not increase “voltage” of the conflict when making such moves. “The threat of attacks (…) has regrettably been an everyday reality for Ukrainians for more than 1,000 days”, he declared.
“The Italian Embassy in Kiev, which has always remained operational, reopened today [5ª feira (21.nov)] to the public normally. It is recommended to continue to follow the usual risk mitigation measures and go immediately to the nearest shelter in case of alarm”, wrote the Italian embassy on its official website.
Russia had said that Ukrainian strikes with long-range missiles would be considered an escalation of conflicts. On Tuesday (Nov 19), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with journalists that he considered the Ukrainian onslaught as “a qualitatively new phase of the Western war against Russia”. On the same day, the President of Russia, signed a decree expanding the use of nuclear weapons by the country’s Armed Forces.
“No matter how many brutal and insidious attacks from Russia we have endured, it is always important to heed warnings of air raids”, said the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky in a video speech last Wednesday (20.nov). “We have a neighbor who is crazy”, he stated. The head of state also said that “panic messages” that circulate “they only help Russia”.
The US ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget A. Brink, confirmed the reopening of the US embassy through a post on X (formerly Twitter). “We continue to encourage U.S. citizens to remain vigilant, monitor official Ukrainian sources for updates, and be prepared to shelter in place if an air alert is announced.“, he wrote.
“The Spanish Embassy in Ukraine has reopened after temporary evacuation. The consular unit continues to perform its functions, to a limited extent, in Warsaw. Stay tuned for updates to travel recommendations and information posted on @EmbEspKyiv @MAECgob”, wrote the Spanish embassy on its official website.
