Russia Warns Diplomats, Foreigners to Leave Kyiv Over Strike Threat

Russia has renewed its warning to foreign diplomats and nationals in Kyiv, urging them to leave the Ukrainian capital amid threats of further “massive” strikes.

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued the warning on Saturday, saying foreign nationals and diplomatic personnel had previously been advised to leave Kyiv and avoid travelling to Ukraine.

The ministry said it was concerned that some foreigners had ignored the warnings and were continuing to remain in the capital despite what Moscow described as an increasing security threat.

“The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to deliver massive retaliatory strikes,” the ministry said, warning that those who ignored its advice could expose themselves to serious danger.

The warning comes as Russian attacks on Kyiv have intensified in recent days, with strikes affecting key infrastructure across the city.

On Saturday, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River had been damaged during a Russian airstrike. Traffic was suspended after the attack damaged parts of the road surface and trolleybus cables, although no injuries were reported.

The development followed repeated attacks on the Southern Bridge, which was temporarily closed after being targeted.

Kyiv has also experienced strikes affecting energy infrastructure and other facilities, increasing concerns about the security situation in the capital as Ukraine prepares for the winter period.

Russia has described its attacks as retaliatory strikes against military and other targets in Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities have accused Moscow of targeting civilian infrastructure, allegations the Kremlin has rejected.

Despite Moscow’s latest warning, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said no foreign diplomatic mission had formally notified Kyiv that it planned to relocate from the capital.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said on Friday that no requests or notifications concerning the relocation of foreign diplomatic missions had been received.

The latest Russian warning comes as the security situation in Kyiv remains tense, with residents facing repeated air-raid alerts and disruptions to transport and essential infrastructure.