Russia Warns Diplomats, Foreigners To Leave Kyiv

Russia on Saturday issued a fresh call for diplomats and foreign nationals to leave Kyiv, warning of new “massive” strikes on the Ukrainian capital, according to a statement by its Foreign Ministry.

Moscow has been carrying out drone and missile attacks across Ukraine throughout the conflict and, in recent weeks, has intensified strikes on Kyiv, targeting key infrastructure.

In a statement on Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it had previously urged foreign nationals and diplomats in Kyiv to leave the city and refrain from travelling to Ukraine.

“We note with concern that not everyone has heeded these warnings, and that individuals are knowingly exposing themselves to mortal danger,” the ministry said.

“The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to deliver massive retaliatory strikes,” it warned.

The ministry also said that “responsibility for any potential negative consequences rests entirely with those who ignore this warning.”

On Friday, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the city should now be on a war footing as Russian forces were “tearing Kyiv apart” with strikes on bridges and energy infrastructure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of disregarding the rules of armed conflict by authorising massive attacks on civilian areas, an accusation the Kremlin has rejected.