Russia Warns of Strikes on Military Targets in Kiev, Urges Civilians to Leave Capital

Moscow — Russia has announced it is beginning systematic strikes on Ukrainian military facilities and decision-making centres in Kiev, while warning foreign nationals and diplomatic staff to leave the capital immediately.

In a statement issued on May 25, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the UAV attack carried out by Ukrainian armed forces on the night of May 22 against the academic building and dormitory of Lugansk State Pedagogical University in Starobelsk as yet another glaring testimony to the Nazi and terrorist nature of the Kiev regime. Russia claims civilians, including children, were killed in the strike.

Russia has accused Zelensky’s junta and its Western sponsors of blatant disregard for international humanitarian law. The statement cites direct violations of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other international commitments. “This has exhausted Russia’s patience,” the statement declared.

Under the circumstances, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are beginning to deliver consistent, systematic strikes against Ukrainian defence industry enterprises in Kiev, including sites used for the design, production, programming and preparation of UAVs operated with the assistance of NATO specialists responsible for supplying components, providing intelligence data and target designation. Russia has made it clear that decision-making centres and command posts will also be targeted.

Given that these facilities are dispersed across Kiev, Russia has warned foreign diplomatic personnel and staff of international organisations to leave the city as soon as possible, and urged residents of the Ukrainian capital not to approach military and administrative infrastructure facilities.