US shuts Kyiv embassy ahead of potential air strike
Nov 20, 2024
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Olga Tokariuk, Monocle's Ukraine correspondent and Chatham House Academy fellow, offers her expert insights on the escalating situation in Ukraine. She discusses the temporary closure of the U.S. embassy in Kyiv due to looming Russian missile threats, amplifying concerns among Ukrainians. Tokariuk also sheds light on the U.S. military support landscape, including the controversial decision to send anti-personnel landmines. Global political shifts, especially in Austria and the impact of sanctuary cities in Los Angeles, round out a riveting conversation on pressing international issues.
The temporary closure of the US Embassy in Kyiv amid fears of an imminent Russian missile attack has raised significant concerns among Ukrainians about their safety.
Austria's proposed three-party coalition aims to counter rising far-right extremism while addressing critical economic challenges following recent political elections and gas supply issues.
Deep dives
Concerns Surround US Embassy Closure in Kiev
The temporary closure of the US Embassy in Kiev due to fears of a major Russian missile attack has left many Ukrainians puzzled. Despite recent daily missile and drone strikes by Russia, the decision to close the embassy seemed somewhat unexpected, particularly since such attacks typically occur in the early hours. Ukrainians are questioning whether the embassy's actions indicate a significant impending threat, especially in light of past tensions. The US Embassy clarified that it was not anticipating a nuclear threat, easing some concerns but sparking speculation about the nature of potential attacks, leaving citizens on alert but not panicked.
Austrian Political Landscape Post-Elections
Following the recent elections, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has proposed an unprecedented three-party coalition to stabilize the government, excluding the far-right Freedom Party, which gained the most votes. The proposed coalition aims to provide a united front against the rising far-right extremism, amid economic concerns and energy challenges following Russia's gas supply cuts. This comes after weeks of uncertainty in Austrian politics, as voters reacted to the Freedom Party's electoral success and the establishment scrambled to reassess its strategies. Nehammer's coalition negotiations represent an effort to regain control and address pressing economic issues, particularly inflation and production declines.
Australian Authors Promote Middle East Education for Politicians
A group of Australian authors is endeavoring to enhance the understanding of the Middle East conflict among local politicians by providing them with a curated package of books. This initiative, supported by both the Jewish Council of Australia and the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network, seeks to foster a nuanced debate regarding the region's complex history and issues. The selection includes both non-fiction and fiction titles to encompass different perspectives and encourage informed discussions among parliamentarians amidst rising tensions and divisions in Australian society. This effort aims to shift the narrative away from heated emotions toward a better-informed political dialogue.
The US embassy in Kyiv closes amid fears of a major Russian missile attack, just as US president Joe Biden agrees to give anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. Then: Austria’s three-party coalition begins to take shape and a group of authors in Australia provide every federal politician with five books to encourage a nuanced debate over the Middle East conflict. Plus: Los Angeles declares itself a “sanctuary city” and we get the latest fashion news from Balenciaga to LVMH and Saint Laurent.