UK Embassy in Kyiv 'remains open' as Ukraine braces for 'massive missile attack'

The UK’s Ukrainian embassy remains open, the Foreign Office has confirmed, even though the US has closed its facility over concerns about an “potential significant air attack”.

International tensions over the war in Ukraine have escalated in recent days, especially since the first use of US-supplied missiles to strike targets deep inside Russia after US President Joe Biden granted permission to Volodymyr Zelensky’s forces.

The US Embassy said: “Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place.”

However, a statement issued by the FCDO said: “The UK Embassy in Kyiv remains open. However, the safety of our staff and British nationals in Ukraine is paramount and we keep our embassy posture and travel advice under constant review.”

Earlier the UK’s Science Secretary Peter Kyle said the Government was looking closely at the situation and “we will do everything we can to keep British citizens safe”.

The British embassy in Kyiv has been operating a limited diplomatic function in recent months.

Mr Kyle told Times Radio: “I’m not going to share details at the moment of operational matters that are on the ground in Kyiv.”

The minister offered assurances that the situation is being looked at “incredibly closely” by the Government.

He added: “We have very good relationships with the government in Kyiv and with the United States. We will do everything we can to keep British citizens safe.

“But there’s just been no doubt this conflict has gone on for over 1,000 days now. It was caused by the illegal, unwarranted and unprovoked attack by Vladimir Putin.”

He said the conflict “could be brought to an end instantly, if Vladimir Putin himself decided to de-escalate, rather than continually escalate the circumstances around this conflict”.

The UK Government is considering its own position on whether to give Kyiv permission to use British-supplied weapons against targets inside Vladimir Putin’s country.

The UK’s embassy in Kyiv represents a vital aspect of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Ukraine, reflecting long-standing ties since Ukraine gained independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Established shortly thereafter, the embassy serves as a hub for political, economic, and cultural collaboration.

Over the years, it has played a critical role in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, promoting reforms, and deepening bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and governance.

It also serves as a focal point for British support for Ukraine amid ongoing challenges, including the country’s conflict with Russia.

The embassy operates from Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, and its activities encompass a wide range of diplomatic functions.

These include facilitating high-level political dialogues, promoting UK interests in Ukraine, and providing consular assistance to British nationals.

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the embassy temporarily relocated operations for security reasons but resumed activity in Kyiv later that year, symbolising the UK’s commitment to standing with Ukraine during the crisis.

The embassy also manages programmes to support Ukraine’s economic stability and democratic reforms while fostering cultural and educational exchanges, including promoting the English language and UK higher education opportunities.

The UK’s ambassador to Ukraine is instrumental in driving these efforts, acting as the primary representative of British interests in the country.

Martin Harris is the current UK Ambassador to Ukraine, having assumed his role on September 27, 2023, presenting his credentials to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Harris has a distinguished diplomatic career and has previously served in various roles, including in Moscow and Kyiv, reflecting his deep expertise in the region.

His tenure has focused on supporting Ukraine during its recovery and ongoing resistance to Russian aggression