Russia has urged all nations with embassies in Kyiv to evacuate personnel after announcing that it planned to launch systematic strikes on “decision-making centers” and Ukrainian military command posts in the Ukrainian capital on Monday.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the “systematic and sustained strikes” will additionally target “enterprises of the Ukrainian defense industry,” including drone production and development facilities.
In a statement, the ministry said that all foreign nationals, including diplomatic personnel, “need to leave the city as soon as possible.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, during which Lavrov reiterated the warning.
According to Russian state media site TASS, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Lavrov explained to Rubio what led Russia to launch the strikes.
Ryabkov also reportedly said that although no agreement has been reached on a visit by US representatives, Russia is not abandoning dialogue with the US.
He added that Russia hopes the US will respond to Moscow’s attacks on Kyiv “reasonably.”
UN head expresses concern for Kyiv, EU summons Russian representatives
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday that he was “deeply concerned” by Russia’s announcement of the strikes.
Also on Tuesday, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, and the European Union all summoned Russian representatives over the threats against Kyiv.
Russia’s “threat to foreign citizens & diplomats to leave Kyiv is an unacceptable escalation,” EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper said in a post on X/Twitter, calling for Moscow to “stop hitting civilians.”
The EU’s delegation is remaining in Kyiv, the spokesperson added.
Russia launches massive attack on Kyiv over weekend
On Sunday, Russia launched a massive attack on Kyiv, killing four and wounding more than 80 in an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones.
According to Ukrainian officials, dozens of residential buildings and schools were damaged in the attack.
