Russia-Ukraine War Latest: US Shuts Kyiv Embassy as Biden Approves Landmines

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv announced it would close as a precaution after receiving warnings of a potentially significant Russian air attack expected on Wednesday. The embassy urged individuals in the area to exercise caution and remain prepared.

In its statement, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv directed its employees to shelter in place and advised U.S. citizens in the city to be ready to take immediate shelter should an air alert be issued.

The warning was notable for its level of detail, a departure from the routine nature of Russian air attacks, which have become an almost daily reality in Ukraine.

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Services on Nov. 19, 2024, rescue workers clear the rubble of a residential building destroyed by a Russian strike in Hlukhiv, Ukraine. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv... Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP

The news comes while President Joe Biden has authorized the provision of antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine, following the recent decision to supply Kyiv with long-range missiles. This move marks a departure from previous U.S. restrictions, which limited Ukraine's use of American-made missiles to its own territory.

The newly supplied land mines are "nonpersistent," designed to become inert after a set period, thereby reducing long-term risks to civilians. This development underscores the evolving nature of U.S. military support to Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press

05:27 AM EST

North Korean Troops Got Drunk, 'Raped' Russian Woman in Kursk: Report

In Kurshchyna, soldiers from North Korea reportedly raped a 28-year-old Russian teacher, according to local sources posting on Telegram. The woman, serving as a translator, had been conducting adaptation classes to help the North Korean soldiers acclimate to the local environment.

After the alleged attack, the soldiers reportedly drank vodka and fell asleep. The teacher has expressed concerns that the perpetrators may simply be sent back to North Korea to avoid straining diplomatic ties with the allied nation.

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