They knew in advance: why Western embassies ceased operations in Ukraine ahead of Russia’s strike

In light of reports from Russia that Washington was warned about the launch of the “Oreshnik” missile aimed at Dnipro, the closure of the U.S. embassy and several other embassies in Kyiv on Wednesday now takes on a new context.

Although Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the Americans were notified of the launch only half an hour before it occurred, much suggests that Washington had been aware of the potential strike from the new missile system—one that air defense might struggle to counter—much earlier. This was directly confirmed by the Pentagon, which clarified that they had informed both Washington and Ukrainian authorities in advance.

This likely explains the rumors circulating in several Ukrainian President’s Office-linked Telegram channels about preparations by Russia to launch the intercontinental missile RS-26 “Rubezh” (which, as it later turned out, was mistaken for the “Oreshnik”).

However, the panic surrounding this was later attributed to “Russian IPSO” (information psychological operations). But, as has become clear, the source of the information was legitimate, stemming from actual intelligence regarding the preparation for the launch of the new missile.

Now, after Vladimir Putin’s statement, the topic of “Oreshnik” missile strikes has taken on a life of its own, and panic is spreading at all levels.

For example, some members of parliament have claimed that the Russians intend to strike the Verkhovna Rada, while others have warned of a potential strike on the entire government quarter of Kyiv as soon as tomorrow. Ukrainian Telegram channels are widely circulating the “news” that Russia is closing part of its airspace to conduct a missile strike on November 22-23, citing Russian publications (though Russian media has not reported this).

In this situation, distinguishing between actual intelligence and misinformation or pure panic is becoming increasingly difficult.

Although the U.S. embassy has not yet issued any statements about suspending work tomorrow.