Russia has warned the United States and other countries with diplomatic staff in Kyiv to leave the Ukrainian capital or risk what it described as “systematic strikes,” escalating tensions after a weekend of heavy bombardment on the city.
The warning reportedly came during a call between Russia’s foreign minister and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with Moscow urging the evacuation of foreign embassies and signaling a new phase of intensified attacks on Ukrainian targets. Russia said the planned strikes would focus on military sites in Kyiv, including what it called “decision-making centers,” in response to recent Ukrainian operations it claims killed personnel in occupied eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have denied targeting civilians or the specific claims tied to the attack.
European allies rejected the warning outright, with several embassies in Kyiv declaring they would remain in place and accusing Moscow of trying to spread panic. The European Union’s mission in Ukraine called the threat “a masterpiece of hypocrisy,” while France and Poland also condemned the statement and refused to withdraw their diplomatic presence.
The escalation follows what residents described as one of the most intense recent waves of strikes on Kyiv, including missile impacts that damaged residential areas and left widespread destruction. In the Podil district, a missile landed near an apartment building, shaking homes and forcing residents into shelters as windows shattered and walls cracked from the blast.
Russia has said its campaign will intensify further, while Ukrainian cities continue to face near-daily missile and drone attacks that have caused extensive damage and civilian casualties throughout the war. Kremlin officials declined to detail the expected scale or timing of future operations but reiterated warnings that Kyiv could become increasingly dangerous.
On the diplomatic front, Rubio said Moscow had issued a direct warning that Kyiv would become more hazardous and urged continued openness to negotiations, though he noted that formal peace talks remain stalled. The United States said it remains prepared to engage diplomatically if conditions allow.
Inside Kyiv, residents expressed a mix of fear and resignation. Some said they would continue living in the city but rely more heavily on subway shelters during attacks, adjusting to what has become a routine of air raid alerts and explosions.
Meanwhile, pro-Kremlin military commentators have urged even harsher strikes on the Ukrainian capital, reflecting pressure within parts of Russia’s information space for a more aggressive military campaign.
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