In a significant recent escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow has issued an explicit warning to all foreign nationals, diplomats, and international staff to evacuate Kyiv immediately, as they plan to launch a campaign of “systematic bombing attacks” on Ukraine’s capital city.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced this new strategy (on Monday) as a response to Ukraine’s drone strike (last week) against Starobilsk (located in Luhansk), which was being occupied by Russia. Russia asserts that Ukraine’s attack resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people (including civilians) from a student dormitory. Ukraine has countered that its attack specifically targeted military (Russian) drone command facilities.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, “Given the current situation, the Russian armed forces will begin to carry out systematic strikes against Ukraine’s Military-Industrial complex (in Kyiv)… Targets of these strikes will include military establishments in Kyiv involved with the design, production, and operation of drones.”
The Ministry also urged all citizens of Kyiv to remain at a safe distance from Ukrainian military or Government installations, as Russia continues to increase its bombing campaign against Kyiv with a large number of missile and drone strikes during the past weekend, including missiles launched from nuclear-capable, hypersonic missiles known as “Orion”. The recent bombings caused the deaths of at least four individuals and many more injuries.
Countering RFM’s allegations are remarks made by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who called Russia’s warning “Russian blackmail” and called on other countries to support Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression.
The development comes more than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Analysts fear the threatened campaign could mark one of the most intense periods of bombardment on the Ukrainian capital yet, raising fears for civilian safety and diplomatic presence in the city.