Italy, Spain and Greece close their embassies in Kyiv amid possible risk of Russian attacks

Following the published information of potential air attacks, Spanish, Italian, and Greek embassies will not provide the services to ensure personal safety. The United States did the same earlier due to the received message concerning the "specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20".

Ukrainian flags flutter next to an European flag (top L) during a performance by members of the 'Go-to Ukrainian', an organization advocating the interests of Ukraine and Ukrainians, to mark 1000 days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in front of the Station Europe outside the European Parliament, in Brussels, Belgium, 19 November 2024. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on 19 November addressed the European Parliament from Kyiv during a special plenary session marking 1,000 days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS Dostawca: PAP/EPA.

Images source: © PAP | PAP/EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS

Aleksandra Dąbrowska

20 November 2024 11:36

Following the US Embassy's decision, the Spanish, Italian, and Greek embassies have also been closed due to the rising possibility of an air attack on Kyiv. The statement issued by the American officials stated that "The US Embassy in Kyiv has received specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20". The statement further informs "out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place".

Shutting down embassies amid tensions

Because of the report, Spanish Embassy informed that "in an email sent to Spaniards living in the country, embassy recommends that they take extraordinary security measures, follow all recommendations of local authorities and always have a shelter".

Following the decision, Italian Embassy has also issued similiar statement on its website, claiming that "as a precaution, the Embassy in Kiev will be closed to the public today. The Embassy remains operational. In the event of an airstrike, all Italian citizens in the country are advised to follow the most stringent risk mitigation measures and immediately go to the nearest shelter".

Greek officials' work in Kyiv is also temporarily suspended "for security reasons". In a Facebook post, embassy also urged citizens to "avoid travel and remain in safe areas".

British embassy has already been operating a limited diplomatic function

In recent months, the British embassy has been already working on a limited scale due to the potential threat. The Independent states that the UK’s science secretary, Peter Kyle, claimed that the British government has also closely monitored the current situation concerning the possible air attack. He stated "we have very good relationships with the government in Kyiv and with the United States. We will do everything we can to keep British citizens safe".

In the interview with Radio Times, Kyle also added that he is "not going to share details at the moment of operational matters that are on the ground in Kyiv" but assured that the British government is simultaneously "incredibly closely" watching the current threatening situation.

Kyiv confirms Russia's preparation for "massive attack"

Andryi Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian Security Council's Centre for Countering Disinformation, commented on the American information concerning the possible attack. "Let me remind you that the Russians have been stockpiling missiles for a series of attacks on Ukraine for months. This includes Kh-101 missiles, which they continue to produce, as well as Kalibrs and ballistics", said Kovalenko, according to Reuters.

Sources: efe.com, censor.net, The Indepndent, Reuters