The US Embassy in Kyiv has issued a new Wednesday heightened security alert due to “continued risk of significant air attacks” by Russia on Ukraine.
The Kremlin, including President Vladimir Putin himself, has said that major retaliation is coming, after the Sunday massive cross-border Ukrainian operation which destroyed many of Russia’s premier military aircraft, including long-range strategic bombers.
President Trump has said of an over one-hour phone call he held with Putin Wednesday, that “We discussed the attack on Russia’s docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides.” Trump went on to call it a good conversation, however “not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace.”
The below official embassy alert, marked June 4, relays the following information for American citizens remaining in the Ukrainian capital [emphasis ZH]:
Event: Russia has increased the intensity of its missile and drone attacks against Ukraine in recent weeks, and there is currently a continued risk of significant air attacks. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv urges U.S. citizens to exercise appropriate caution. As always, we recommend you be prepared to shelter immediately in the event an air alert is announced.
Actions to Take:
- Identify shelter locations in advance of any air alert.
- Download a reliable air alert app to your mobile phone, such as Air Raid Siren or Alarm Map.
- Immediately take shelter away from windows in the most hardened location you can move to if an air alert is announced.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Keep reserves of water, food, and medication.
- Follow the directions of Ukrainian officials and first responders in the event of an emergency.
- Review what the Department of State Can and Cannot Do in a Crisis.
Of note in Trump’s phone call with Putin is that nothing was stated from Trump in the way of a US demand that Putin not retaliate against Ukraine (or at least which was not disclosed in his Truth Social post).
The absence of a preemptive condemnation for any major retaliation suggests that major aerial retaliation is indeed imminent, and that Washington ‘understands’ the tit-for-tat nature of what is likely about to happen.
Hellbound and Down 