Russia has again warned diplomats and other foreign nationals in Kyiv to leave the Ukrainian capital, citing the risk of what it described as “massive” strikes.
In a statement on Saturday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it had previously advised foreign nationals and diplomats to leave Kyiv and avoid travelling to Ukraine, but expressed concern that some had ignored the warnings.
The ministry said those who remained in the city were knowingly exposing themselves to what it described as mortal danger.
It also warned that Russian forces would continue to carry out “massive retaliatory strikes”, adding that responsibility for any potential consequences would rest with those who ignored the warning.
The latest warning comes as Russia has intensified its drone and missile attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, with strikes targeting key infrastructure in the Ukrainian capital.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Friday that the city should now be on a war footing, accusing Russian forces of “tearing Kyiv apart” through attacks on bridges and energy infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of abandoning the rules of armed conflict by authorising large-scale attacks on civilian areas.
The Kremlin has rejected the accusation.
Russia’s latest statement did not specify when or where any further strikes would take place, but reiterated its warning to foreign nationals and diplomats in the Ukrainian capital.
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