The United States shut its embassy in Kyiv on Wednesday due to the heightened risk of airstrikes, following Ukraine's use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike a target inside Russia the previous day. This marked an escalation in the ongoing war as Moscow condemned the missile strike as a significant provocation.

Later in the day, an air raid siren went off in Kyiv, and Ukraine's military intelligence agency, the GUR, accused Russia of attempting to create panic by circulating fake online alerts about a massive missile and drone assault. The GUR warned that Russia, unable to defeat Ukraine by force, was resorting to psychological tactics to destabilize the population.

"The enemy seeks to intimidate us, but we must remain vigilant and resolute," the GUR said in a statement.

A US government source confirmed that the embassy's closure was due to ongoing threats of airstrikes. Other foreign embassies, including those of Italy and Greece, also closed their Kyiv missions, while France kept its embassy open but advised caution. The US Embassy instructed American citizens to be prepared to shelter at short notice in the event of an air raid.

The missile strike, which targeted an arms depot in Russia, was made possible by a recent decision from the Biden administration allowing Ukraine to use the long-range missiles. Moscow had warned that permitting such strikes would be seen as an escalation of the conflict, with potential consequences for NATO countries providing military support.

In response to the situation, the US State Department stated, "Out of an abundance of caution, the embassy will be closed, and embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place." The US also advised its citizens in Ukraine to be ready to shelter in the event of air alerts.

Meanwhile, Russian intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin warned that Moscow would retaliate against any NATO countries facilitating Ukrainian missile attacks on Russian soil.

Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian Air Force issued a warning for civilians to seek shelter due to a missile threat. This was followed by a warning from the GUR about a Russian psychological operation involving fake messages about an impending large-scale missile attack. These messages, which spread through social media and messaging apps, claimed that Russia would launch a barrage of over 300 drones and use warships, aircraft, and ground-based missile systems.

As the war intensified, Ukraine's military continued to carry out deep strikes into Russian territory. A recent attack targeted a Russian military command post in Gubkin, Belgorod, just 168 km from the Ukrainian border, although the details of the operation remain unclear. According to some reports, Ukraine may have used UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles for the strike.

The US embassy in Kyiv also issued an advisory to American citizens in Ukraine, urging them to keep supplies of water, food, and medications, anticipating potential disruptions to essential services like electricity and water due to Russian attacks on infrastructure. Persistent Russian strikes have already caused power outages and heating disruptions across Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Russia has been amassing missile stockpiles in preparation for more strikes, including long-range Kh-101 missiles and Kalibrs, according to Ukrainian security officials. These developments come after Russian President Vladimir Putin lowered the threshold for nuclear use in response to conventional military actions.

While the war continues to evolve, fears of further escalation and broader regional instability persist, particularly as Ukraine receives continued Western support in the form of advanced weaponry.