The United States embassy in Kyiv is set to resume operations on Thursday following a temporary closure prompted by a potential security threat. The decision to shut down the embassy was made based on a perceived risk of a significant attack on the city, as stated by a spokesperson from the State Department.
Emphasizing the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of embassy personnel, the spokesperson highlighted the seriousness with which such matters are taken. The spokesperson refrained from disclosing specific details regarding the nature of the threat that led to the closure, citing the need to exercise caution and vigilance in safeguarding the well-being of staff members.
While no major incidents were reported in Kyiv, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence agency raised concerns about a disinformation campaign allegedly orchestrated by Russia. The agency claimed that false information regarding an imminent large-scale assault on Kyiv, purportedly issued by Ukrainian authorities, was being circulated.
The State Department spokesperson neither confirmed nor denied whether this misinformation played a role in the embassy's temporary shutdown, underscoring that security decisions are made based on a comprehensive assessment of various factors. Despite the security alert, no embassy personnel have been evacuated from Ukraine due to the perceived threat.
Addressing the impact of the closure, the spokesperson clarified that while some staff members refrained from reporting to the office during the shutdown, operations are expected to resume normalcy with employees returning to work on the reopening day.
