Russia Threatens New Strikes on Kyiv Defence Sites, Urges Foreigners to Leave

Russia has threatened to launch what it described as “systematic strikes” on military linked sites and decision making centers in Kyiv, intensifying tensions after one of the heaviest attacks on the Ukrainian capital in recent months.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly informed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Moscow planned the strikes in response to what Russia called Ukrainian attacks on civilians and infrastructure.

Russian authorities also urged foreign nationals, including diplomats, to leave Kyiv, signaling fears of further escalation.

Ukraine Rejects Russian Warnings

Ukraine strongly pushed back against Moscow’s warning. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on international partners not to surrender to what he described as Russian pressure and intimidation.

The European Union also dismissed Russia’s warning. EU representatives in Kyiv said diplomatic missions would remain in the city, insisting support for Ukraine would continue despite security threats.

Deadly Attacks Continue Across Ukraine

The latest warning came after large-scale Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv reportedly killed two people and injured at least 91 others. Authorities said nearly 300 locations across the capital were damaged, including infrastructure and public buildings.

In eastern and southern Ukraine, additional attacks caused more casualties. Missile strikes near Kharkiv reportedly killed two people and wounded over 20, while Kherson, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk and Kramatorsk also reported deaths and injuries.

Fighting Expands on Both Sides

Ukraine continued strikes targeting Russian-controlled areas and infrastructure. In Russia’s Belgorod region, local officials reported casualties and disruptions to electricity and water supplies following missile and drone attacks.

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled as both sides continue accusing each other of escalating the war.