Overview of the Situation
Ukraine has expressed strong criticism towards the actions of several embassies, including those of the United States and European countries, which have either closed or limited their operations in Kyiv. These measures were taken following warnings of a potential large-scale air attack, purportedly part of Russia’s strategic psychological warfare aimed at instilling fear among the Ukrainian populace. Ukrainian officials argue that such actions by foreign embassies inadvertently support Russian psychological tactics by projecting fear and uncertainty.
Specific Incidents and Responses
On November 20, 2024, the US Embassy in Kyiv issued a warning about a possible severe air attack, leading to its closure and a directive for U.S. citizens to prepare for immediate shelter in case of an air alert. This advisory was part of a broader call for heightened vigilance among all embassies in the region. Following suit, the Spanish and Italian embassies suspended consular services, while the Greek Embassy shut down completely to the public. The French Embassy remained operational but issued warnings about an increased risk of airstrikes.
At exactly 13:52 local time, an air raid alert was issued in Kyiv and other regions, attributed to a missile threat by the Ukrainian Air Force. The situation was tense, with the alert being lifted after about 40 minutes without further incident. This sequence of events underscores the heightened state of alert that pervades Kyiv and its environs.
Russian Reactions and Further Escalations
These developments occurred against the backdrop of Ukraine’s use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles against targets within Russia. This military action was a direct result of U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to lift restrictions on the use of these missiles, which had previously been confined to Ukrainian territory. In retaliation, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree expanding Russia’s nuclear options, indicating a significant escalation in the military stance of Russia.
The Kremlin has indicated that the conflict has entered a ‘new phase’ with potential for more intense and perilous developments, suggesting a scenario where both conventional and non-conventional warfare tactics could be employed more aggressively.
Information Warfare: A Critical Front
The closure of embassies and the subsequent Russian military actions can also be seen as part of a broader strategy of information warfare. Andri Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation, commented on his Telegram channel about the psychological impact of these closures, accusing Russia of attempting to amplify panic and fear to weaken Ukrainian resolve. Furthermore, Ukraine’s intelligence agency has cautioned that Russia is disseminating false information about imminent attacks to exacerbate fears and manipulate public perception.
It is evident that the battle is not only being fought with physical weapons but is also being waged on the psychological and informational fronts, aiming to destabilize and demoralize the Ukrainian populace and its allies.