MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) – The US Embassy in the Ukrainian capital Kiev was closed due to a potential airstrike threat on Wednesday.

“The US Embassy in Kyiv received specific information about a potential significant airstrike on November 20. Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed and Embassy employees are instructed to shelter in place,” the Embassy said in a Security Alert issued Wednesday.

The US diplomatic mission in the capital of Ukraine recommended that US citizens be prepared to take shelter immediately in the event of an air alert.

They were also advised to identify shelter locations ahead of any air alert and follow instructions from Ukrainian officials and emergency first responders.

Air raid sirens have been sounded several times in Kiev since midnight, reports say.

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency announced that a Russian command post was attacked in the city of Gubkin, Belgorod region.

Russian forces have stepped up attacks against Kiev since September, forcing residents to seek shelter.

US President Joe Biden approved the supply of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine on Tuesday.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concern that his country will “lose” the war against Russia if Washington stops its military aid, an apparent reference to the incoming Trump administration’s expected change in policy on arming Kiev.

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