Russia advises diplomats, foreigners; warns of massive strikes on Ukraine capital

In a statement released on Saturday, Russia's foreign ministry urged diplomats and foreigners residing in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, to evacuate the city and cease visiting Ukraine altogether. The ministry had previously requested foreigners and diplomats to leave Kyiv and refrain from traveling in the country. Moscow has been launching numerous drone and missile strikes against Ukraine as part of its ongoing offensive, with a recent intensification of attacks on Kyiv, specifically targeting essential infrastructure.

The Russian foreign ministry expressed concern over the failure of some individuals to heed the previous warnings, stating that they are willingly putting themselves in danger. In response to the ongoing strikes, the ministry warned that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will persist in delivering massive retaliatory strikes. They emphasized that any potential negative consequences arising from those who disregard their warnings are solely the responsibility of those individuals.

On Friday, Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, declared that the city should now operate under a war footing due to the enemy relentlessly attacking Kyiv with strikes on bridges and energy infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for violating the norms of armed conflict by authorizing massive attacks on civilian areas. The Kremlin has dismissed these accusations as unfounded.