Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has communicated to U.S. officials that the Russian military is set to initiate systematic strikes on targets in Kyiv, which are allegedly utilized by the Ukrainian armed forces. This announcement follows a series of recent escalations in the conflict.
According to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lavrov informed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the strikes are a response to what Russia describes as ongoing terrorist attacks by the Ukrainian government against Russian territory. The Russian military plans to target facilities in Kyiv that support the Ukrainian military, as well as decision-making centers.
“In accordance with the directive of President Vladimir Putin, Lavrov officially conveyed to the American side that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will begin systematic strikes on objects located in Kyiv that are used for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” the statement read.
Additionally, Lavrov highlighted a previous advisory from the Russian Foreign Ministry urging foreign states to evacuate their diplomatic personnel and citizens from Kyiv. This warning reflects Russia’s increasing concern over the safety of foreign nationals in the Ukrainian capital.
On May 25, the Russian Foreign Ministry had already indicated that it would commence systematic strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities in Kyiv. The ministry also called on foreign diplomats and international organization workers to leave the city as soon as possible.
In response to these threats, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia’s warnings are intended to intimidate Western diplomats. He asserted that Ukraine does not expect this form of coercion to be effective.
European Union Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, also remarked that Western diplomats would not be leaving Kyiv despite the renewed threats from Russia.
Recent military activity has seen a significant escalation. On the night of May 24, Russian forces launched a combined attack involving approximately 90 missiles and 600 drones, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. This assault resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left around 100 injured, with significant damage to approximately 30 residential buildings in Kyiv.
As of May 25, the aftermath of these strikes has resulted in at least two fatalities and 91 injuries, including three children.
The Russian government has announced plans for systematic strikes on Kyiv, targeting military-related facilities. This escalation follows recent military actions and warnings directed at foreign diplomats in the region.