US embassy in Kyiv closes over threat of ‘significant attack’ | First Thing

It comes as the Kremlin rules out a freeze' in the conflict. Plus, 204 industrial farming lobbyists attend Cop29

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Good morning.

The US embassy in Kyiv closed on Wednesday because of a potential significant air attack. Out of an abundance of caution, the embassy will be closed, and embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place," the consular service said.

Why has Biden approved missiles and landmines now? The US feels these measures are necessary for Ukraine to keep fighting, and commensurate with Russia's deployment of North Korean troops. About 10,900 North Korean soldiers in Kursk have been fighting in elite Russian airborne and marine units, according to a lawmaker on the intelligence committee of the South Korean parliament. Biden is also acting before Donald Trump returns to the White House and potentially seeks negotiations.

How many aid trucks is Israel letting cross the border? So far in November, Israel says it has allowed in an average of 88 trucks a day, a fraction of the 600 a day that aid agencies say are necessary to meet basic needs. In the northern third of Gaza, where Israeli forces are waging a weeks-long offensive that has killed hundreds of people and displaced tens of thousands, famine conditions may have already set in, experts say.

How have food prices changed? The market fluctuates, but before the war a sack of flour cost 40 shekels ($10.68) and milk powder cost 30 shekels. Now, in the center and south of the strip, where most of the population has fled, prices have reached 375 shekels ($100.17) and 300 shekels respectively - if supplies can be found.