Russia again threatens diplomats in Kyiv and urges them to leave Ukraine
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russia has again addressed foreign diplomats in Kyiv, urging them to leave Ukraine and warning of further massive strikes, according to a statement by Russia’s Foreign Ministry.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said that the Russian army would continue striking facilities that Moscow describes as military targets in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
"The Russian side previously urged foreign citizens and diplomats staying in Kyiv to leave the city, refrain from traveling to Ukraine, and called on residents of the country not to approach military and administrative infrastructure," the statement said.
The Russian side recalled that a similar warning had already been issued on May 25, 2026. According to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, the relevant warnings were also conveyed to foreign partners through diplomatic notes.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry also noted that the US, the United Kingdom, EU countries, Norway and Switzerland had previously advised their citizens to refrain from traveling to Ukraine.
"We note that not everyone heeded these warnings and are knowingly putting their lives in mortal danger. Many embassies operate in Kyiv, and foreign officials visit Ukraine," the ministry added.
Against this backdrop, Moscow said that Russian forces would continue carrying out massive strikes.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry also claimed that responsibility for the possible consequences of staying in Ukraine would lie with those who ignore this warning.
Russia steps up strikes on Kyiv
Russia has intensified its attacks on Kyiv recently. The capital and the region are regularly under air raid alerts.
Russian forces are using drones and ballistic missiles, targeting civilian and energy infrastructure in the city.
On October 1, a drone struck a school building in Kyiv’s Solomianskyi district. Russian forces have also repeatedly attacked the Pivdennyi Bridge.
During one of the latest strikes on the bridge, a support, the roadway and the metro’s protective barrier were damaged.
Against this backdrop, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered an escalation of strikes on Kyiv in an attempt to force Ukrainians to leave the capital.
