Russia urges foreign nationals to leave Kyiv amid planned military action

Russia has announced plans to launch a series of systematic strikes on defense industrial facilities in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. The Ministry of Defence stated that these strikes are in response to a recent drone attack on a student dormitory in Starobilsk, Luhansk region, which killed at least 18 people.

The Russian Foreign Ministry warned foreign citizens, including personnel of diplomatic missions and international organisations, to leave the city as soon as possible. It also urged Kyiv residents to avoid approaching military and administrative infrastructure facilities.

In response to the attack on Starobilsk, Russia has branded it “terrorism” and responded with large missile and drone launches. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the strike on Starobilsk was the “last straw” and that Russia will launch a systematic series of strikes in response.

Ukraine’s military has denied responsibility for the strike on the student dormitory, saying it had struck an elite drone command unit. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged allies not to give in to “Russian blackmail”.

Foreign diplomats have visited Kyiv to pay respects to the victims of the strikes, with French Ambassador Gael Veyssiere noting that ordinary people had returned to work on Monday and were going about their daily lives.

Russia has targeted Kyiv and its surrounding areas with massive missile and drone attacks since the Starobilsk strike. At least four people were reported killed and over 60 injured in overnight strikes on the capital and surrounding region.

Source: Al Jazeera