US Embassy In Kyiv Warns Of Potential Russian Missile Attacks In Ukraine

Kyiv Ukraine/ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/Robert Anasch

JAKARTA - The United States Embassy in Kyiv warned of an increased risk of Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine in the coming days as Ukraine prepares to commemorate its 33-year independence from the Soviet Union on Saturday this week.

Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said earlier this week Russia launched 9,600 missiles and 14,000 drones during attacks on Ukraine since the country launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The US Embassy in Kyiv considers that over the next few days and over the weekend there will be an increased risk of Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine in connection with Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24, "he said.

The statement was posted on the embassy website on Wednesday, August 21 evening.

For Ukrainians, Independence Day has become increasingly important since the Russian invasion, which has sparked feelings of patrioticism among many people.

This year, the date falls more than two weeks after Ukraine launched a cross-border attack on Russia's Kursk territory, even as Russian troops continue to advance in eastern Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would provide a "fit response" to the attack he described as a major provocation.