Russia warns foreign nationals to leave Kyiv after large attack
Russia warned foreign nationals to leave Kyiv after launching a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine, including strikes on civilian infrastructure like schools and water supplies, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed at least 83 injuries and fatalities. The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine of targeting a Russian university, while Western leaders condemned the attack and pledged further support for Ukraine’s air defense systems.
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued an urgent warning on Monday for foreign nationals, including diplomatic personnel, to leave Kyiv immediately following a large-scale attack by Russian forces. The ministry stated that strikes would target Ukrainian defense industry facilities, command posts, and decision-making centers across the capital, claiming Ukraine had earlier attacked a Russian university. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched 90 missiles—including 36 ballistic missiles—and 600 drones in the assault, which struck civilian areas such as a market, residential buildings, schools, and a water supply facility. Zelenskyy confirmed at least 83 injuries and fatalities since midnight, noting that Kyiv was the primary target. One of the missiles used was the Oreshnik, an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of hypersonic speeds and multiple warheads, which Russia has deployed against Ukraine before. The attack marked the latest escalation in the fifth year of Russia’s invasion, as Western leaders condemned the strikes. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the assault ‘brutality and disregard for human life,’ while French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized Russia’s ‘war of aggression’ and reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s defense. The State Department reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday, discussing the Ukraine conflict and tensions in Iran. Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine is accelerating efforts to strengthen its air defense, including developing anti-ballistic missiles in Europe, amid persistent delays with the U.S. for expanding defense capabilities. The attack follows international condemnation over the weekend, with global leaders reaffirming solidarity with Ukraine. Zelenskyy urged residents to avoid Ukrainian military and government buildings, while Russia’s warning highlighted the heightened risks in Kyiv due to the scattered nature of targeted facilities.
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