Russia on Saturday urged foreign citizens and diplomats in Kyiv to leave the Ukrainian capital and refrain from traveling to the country, while advising residents to avoid military and administrative facilities.
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow would continue sustained strikes on military targets in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in response to what it called “terrorist actions” by Ukrainian forces against Russia’s civilian population and infrastructure.
“The Russian Foreign Ministry once again warns foreign citizens, including diplomatic mission personnel, against staying in or traveling to Ukraine,” it said. “Responsibility for any potential adverse consequences rests entirely with those who disregard this warning.”
The ministry said the warning was included in a May 25 statement and diplomatic notes sent to foreign partners, and was reiterated during a May 27 briefing for the diplomatic corps by Mikhail Galuzin, the deputy foreign minister.
The ministry said that the US, UK, EU countries, Norway and Switzerland have also repeatedly advised their citizens against traveling to Ukraine, most recently this August.
“Many embassies remain operational in Kyiv, and foreign officials continue to visit Ukraine,” it said, warning that those who ignore the advisories are “knowingly exposing themselves to mortal danger.”
"The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to deliver massive retaliatory strikes," it said, as the Russia-Ukraine war is some 4 1/2 years old.
