Russia has warned that it could launch a new series of large-scale strikes on Kyiv, just days after carrying out one of its heaviest attacks on the Ukrainian capital since the war began.
In a statement released by the Russian foreign ministry, Moscow said future operations would target what it described as “decision-making centres”, military command posts and drone production facilities located in Kyiv.
Russian authorities also urged foreign nationals and diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital “as soon as possible” and advised citizens to avoid administrative and military sites.
Ukraine strongly rejected the threats, accusing Moscow of attempting to intimidate both civilians and the international diplomatic community.
Ukrainian officials described the warning as “shameless blackmail” and called on Western allies to increase pressure on Russia.
The latest tensions follow a massive Russian assault carried out over the weekend, during which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at least four people were killed and around 100 injured in Kyiv and other regions.
Russia claimed the strikes were retaliation for what it alleged was a Ukrainian attack on a student dormitory in Starobilsk, a town located in Russian-controlled eastern Ukraine. Russian officials said 21 people died in that incident.
Ukraine’s military denied targeting civilians and stated that its forces had struck an elite Russian drone unit operating in the area.
Over recent months, Kyiv has repeatedly faced intense waves of missile and drone attacks. Russian forces have increasingly used large numbers of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones in attempts to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defence systems.
During the latest assault, explosions were reported across Kyiv overnight as several civilian sites suffered damage. Ukrainian authorities said residential buildings, markets and cultural institutions were among the locations hit.
Reports also indicated that Russia used an Oreshnik hypersonic missile during the attack, targeting the area around Bila Tserkva, south of Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and advised American diplomats to leave Kyiv due to the security situation.
Despite the growing threats, Ukraine continues to rely heavily on foreign military assistance, particularly advanced air defence systems supplied by Western allies.
President Zelensky has previously warned that shortages in air defence weapons could become a major challenge as the conflict continues.
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