Russia Warns Foreigners To Leave Kyiv
Russia has warned foreign citizens and diplomatic missions to leave Kyiv as it prepares what it called “systematic strikes” on Ukrainian defence-related facilities. The warning marks a sharp escalation in Moscow’s messaging after recent attacks on both sides of the war.
Russia Warns Of Systematic Kyiv Strikes
Russia’s Defence Ministry said it plans to target Ukrainian defence industrial facilities in Kyiv. Moscow claimed the strikes would be in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry also urged foreign nationals, including diplomatic staff, to leave the Ukrainian capital as soon as possible. The warning has raised fears of a wider wave of attacks on Kyiv.
Ukraine Rejects Russian Strike Justification
Russia linked the planned strikes to a Ukrainian drone attack in Starobilsk, in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region, where Moscow said a student dormitory was hit and at least 18 people were killed.
Ukraine has rejected Russian accusations that it deliberately targets civilians. Kyiv has accused Moscow of using such claims to justify further attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Kyiv Faces Fresh Escalation Risk
The warning comes after Russia carried out one of its biggest recent attacks on Kyiv, involving missiles and drones. Ukrainian officials reported civilian casualties, injuries and damage to residential and public infrastructure.
Western diplomats and international organisations are expected to monitor the situation closely. The latest Russian warning suggests the war may enter another dangerous phase, with Kyiv again becoming a major target of long-range strikes.
